I enjoyed reading ALL your essays, so I have posted them all here for you to read. They all have strong points, which I have added comments on in addition to commenting on areas for improvement. I strongly suggest you review all the essays as well as your own previous work when preparing for the in-class essay next week. Some repeated problems were apostrophe use and present tense for analysis. so do leave time to edit carefully for these in your work.
Are the tragic events of the play fated from the very start? - Nicole In my opinion there is quite a large amount of evidence that says that yes, all the tragic events in Romeo and Juliet were indeed fated from the start. The numerous examples are spread out from the prologue to the end of the book. During the prologue the idea of fate begins, with Shakespeare writing, “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.” (Prologue) This quote foreshadows what will happen in act one and also in the whole book. This tells you that the two lovers will fall badly for each other because fate brought them together, hence “star crossed.” The story then continues with many hints, including one of the most important hints of fate in act three scene one which is the battle scene between Mercutio, Tybalt, and Romeo. “ A plague o’ both houses!”- Mercutio (3.1, 94) This quote is taken right after Mercutio is stabbed by Tybalt and his life is slowly slipping from his grasp. Right before he dies he recites this line, in which is really just Mercutio blaming all of his faults on the hatred of the two families because he has trouble excepting that he actually caused his own death. Near the end of the book the Friar’s plan was to make Juliet drink a vile of potion causing her to fall into deep sleep for forty eight ours, and also sending Romeo a letter about coming back to Verona to wait for Juliet’s awakening. But because of the “Plague on both houses” that Mercutio had casted upon Romeo, the letter never arrives. “I could not send it...So fearful were they of infection.” This is said by Friar John who is the man who was suppose to deliver the letter explaining the Friars plan to Romeo, but since Mercutio casted a plague on both houses, the plague actually starts to spread around Verona. The plague described as the “infection” is what stops Romeo from receiving the letter, which then results into both Romeo and Juliet’s deaths. It is fate that the letter was not sent to Romeo, and the fact that they believe in fate was what killed both of them. Fate becomes a burden on Romeo’s back in which finally causes his own death. “a greater power than we can contradict hath thwarted our intents”- Friar Lawrence (5.3-158-159) What Friar Lawrence is trying to say in in this line is that the “greater power” is fate. Fate can stop anything it pleases in which Friar Lawrence refers to fate as an actual person. In conclusion, I do believe that the tragic events of the play were indeed fated from the very start.
Word count: 444
Who is to blame for the tragic events of the play? - Erica
Was it Romeo, Juliet, the Friar, the Capulets, the Prince, the feud or fate that was to be blamed? Some say it is the combination of all of them, however to fully understand we must break it down, piece-by-piece.
Romeo, who had been previously moping over his unrequited love for Rosaline, suddenly sees the young beautiful Juliet and says, “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight, / For ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” (1.5, 59-60). It shows he was completely blinded by his thoughts and emotions, to even think properly and remember the existence of Rosaline. His feelings continued to blind him, causing his death and Juliet’s. When he found out that Juliet had ‘died’, he didn’t even question it, for he is too wrapped up in his emotions and instead, he jumped directly into the idea of committing suicide.
Juliet had done the same, when she consulted with the Friar. Her mind had been dead set on taking her own life, thinking if all goes wrong, her knife would be there to take away her pain.
She, like Romeo, was shown to be impetuous. Neither of them thought deeply about the future, and simply acted the first thought that came to mind, based completely on their emotions of the moment. They refused to look through any optimistic point of view, which then lead to the tragedy of these young teenagers, as they felt committing suicide was the best solution.
The Friar, who was an educated elder, had been the one to provide these young lovers solutions when their love had hit obstacles; these solutions resulted to the deaths of Juliet, Romeo and Paris. He showed irresponsibility as an elder figure when he hadn’t tried hard enough to persuade Romeo and Juliet to slow down. In fact, he was the one who had married them, the day right after Romeo and Juliet first met each other. Though this idea was good at heart, trying to bond the feuding families, it was harmful to the couple because they were too young. When Juliet had turn to the Friar for help, he had given Juliet a deadly solution that could’ve easily killed her. Even worst, was when the vile he had given Juliet had succeeded and Juliet had awoke, but to find her love dead! The Friar, in this chaotic mess, ran away and left Juliet to kill herself instead of stopping her and staying with her. He showed to be both irresponsible and cowardly, which lead to the death of both of the young lovers and more.
Had the Capulets not forced Juliet into marrying Paris, perhaps much of the tragic events would not of occurred. Juliet wouldn’t have been forced to result to creating a “fake death”, nor would she have to result to a possible suicide. It was because Lord Capulet had threatened to disown her in 3.5 that changed Juliet’s plan, and in result, caused a few deaths.
The Prince, though seemingly inconsequential, admits at end of the play that he too was at fault. He says, “And I, for winking at your discords too, / Have lost a brace of kinsmen.” (5.3, 304-305) shows that perhaps if the Prince had taken the feud more seriously, no one would have died, including poor Mercutio, Tybalt and Paris.
The feud was the biggest obstacle in Romeo and Juliet’s love. Had there not been a feud, Romeo and Juliet would‘ve been able to live a “happily ever after” story. This feud prevented Romeo and Juliet from seeing each other openly. And like many other teenagers, the “forbidden fruit” is always sweeter. Maybe, if the feud hadn’t existed, Romeo and Juliet wouldn’t have even tried to be together and would’ve quickly lost interest in one another. The possibilities are endless, but without the feud, more or less the ending of this play wouldn’t have been a tragedy.
Fate had been constantly used as an excuse when a tragic event occurred; whether it was when Romeo kills Tybalt, and screams “O, I am Fortune’s fool!” (3.1, 142) or when Juliet is begging “Fortune”, a goddess of fate, after finding out about Romeo’s banishment, “O Fortune, Fortune, all men call thee fickle. / If thou art fickle, what dost thou with him / That is renowned for faith? Be fickle, Fortune, / For then I hope thou wilt not keep him long, / But send him back.” (3.5, 60-64). Their belief in fate also caused them to take their own lives, so they could have “control” over their lives. This idea was best shown by Romeo when he declares, “Then I defy you stars!” (5.1, 25).
It doesn’t matter whether you believe this tragedy is caused by the combination of these or just one, it is clear that there is some sort of culprit to be blamed for these tragic events.
Word Count (Without Quotes): 696 words
Is Romeo and Juliet's love true love, or just infatuation? - Benedict The love that Romeo and Juliet share is one that is true. Within this romantic drama, Shakespeare writes about the ‘ill-fated’ love of Romeo and Juliet, however more prominently speaks to society; directly contrasting the feuds of Montagues and Capulets. The tragic death of both lovers, ultimately brought an end to the family feuds, something never done before. Their love was so great, and therefore true, it reconciled the hatred between the families, and was worth their death.
Romeo falls in love with Juliet at first sight when he meets her in the Capulet party in Act 1.5. Shakespeare distinguishes Romeo’s previous love for Rosaline to his current love for Juliet, showing evidence that Romeo’s love for Rosaline was infatuation and that for Juliet was true. In Act 1.1.226, Romeo says “She hath (remained chaste), and in that sparing makes huge waste.” Romeo wanted Rosaline for physical purposes. In Act 2.2.166-8, Romeo speaks to Juliet in the balcony saying, “Love goes toward love as schoolboys from their books, but love from love, toward school with heavy looks.” Romeo proclaims his love for Juliet as one that is natural like schoolboys and books, and real. There has been references and personifications about death. Shakespeare writes about death as an alternative resource when either Romeo or Juliet do not find themselves together. After the death of Tybalt, Juliet mentions about suicide; and even before that she fears that if she marries Paris, her grave will be her wedding bed. The day after Romeo and Juliet meet, they get married, they share intercourse only once before Romeo is exiled and once they part; they engage in depression. In Act 5.3, when Romeo sees Juliet dead, he does not hesitate to kill himself, for his life has no more purpose without Juliet. When Juliet wakes, she also kills herself for the exact same reasons.
Romeo and Juliet are dead, and the crowd enters; Montagues, Capulets and the Prince and his men. Friar Lawrence finally reveals the true story of Romeo and Juliet and all are enlightened. Startled and saddened, the lords from both families shake hands. Lord Capulet says, “O brother Montague, give me thy hand. 5.3.306” and Lord Montague accepts and says, “But I can give thee more.. (5.3.309).” The death of the son and daughter of the feuding families, ended their hatred.
True love is undefined, however authors know that by the characters’ actions and speech, the reader will be able to identify the difference between love and infatuation. Romeo and Juliet have accomplished a ‘miracle’ with their love, to reunite the families. From the beginning of the play, Shakespeare has been building up the evidence to show that Romeo and Juliet shares true love; starting from the Capulet party, the balcony scene, the marriage, intercourse, their deaths, and the reconciliation.
word count 498
Is it true that the old people are wise and the young are foolish and impetuous? - Antonio
It is not necessarily true that the old are wise and the young are foolish and impetus. After reading Romeo and Juliet, we can identify moments in the play that prove that the old are both wise and foolish, and that the young can also be wise and at the same time impetus. But over all I would have to say that the young do tend to act more irresponsibly then the old, and that the old have a higher level of maturity.
Most of the older characters in Romeo and Juliet tend to act as wise human beings, like Friar Lawrence, Capulet and Lady Capulet. They always act in a way that is curved to help someone they love, or a greater community. “To comfort thee, though thou art banished” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 3 Scene 3) Friar Lawrence is trying to calm Romeo, he is doing the mature thing, not letting his emotions interfere with his judgment, by telling Romeo that everything will be fine. “For this alliance may so happy prove/ To turn your households’ rancor to pure love.” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 2 Scene 3) Friar Lawrence means to do the wise thing. He wants to marry Romeo and Juliet so that the feud between both families will stop. But what he does not realize is that by doing so, he is actually doing the immature unreasonable thing. This is because he knows that Romeo and Juliet are not ready to get married, he knows that Rome has just ended his feelings for Rosaline, he knows that they only meet two days ago and he probably considers their relationship to be physical because they cant keep their hands off each other. He even tells Romeo that love is not seeing with the eyes. But he marries them anyways, for the wrong reasons, which is a foolish attitude. The nurse is different than most of the older characters, she does act irrationally, but this is because of her lack of education and manners. “Is Romeo slaughtered and Tybalt dead?” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 3 Scene 2) We can see how confused the nurse made Juliet, by entering and naming both Romeos and Tybalts name and the world dead repeatedly. She did not mean to confuse Juliet, is just that she has lack of education; she is a contrast to the other older characters.
The older characters might act foolish accidentally sometimes, but some of the younger characters like Romeo, Tybalt and Mercutio still act immature for their age. This might be the case as in starting a fight in the middle of the day with civilians around, or by thinking irrationally like Romeo. “Be merciful, say “death”” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 3, Scene 3) Romeo is acting the contrary to the Friars, he is thinking irrationally, letting his emotions affect his decisions, telling himself that it is better to die than to be banished. However there are still young characters that act maturely, for example Benvolio. “…depart. Here all eyes gaze on us.” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 3 Scene 1) Benvolio is doing the right mature thing, telling Mercutio and Tybalt, the foolish ones, not to fight. As we can see from the evidence, it is indeed proven that the old act sometimes more wise than the young, who in the majority of the time act irresponsibly, however we can still see that the old may also act foolish and the young maturely.
Word Count: 576, with quotes
What is love? - Edwin Z.
Love has no definite meaning, but millions of interpretations. Love is the intimate and emotional bond between two beings that transcends a regular friendship. Robert Frost once said, “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired”. Love is the urge to be with another individual; it is a concept that can’t be understood until it has been experienced.
With good, comes bad. It takes the bad to help us notice what is good; what we want to strive for and aspire. Blind love (or “love at first sight”) is a form of love that escalates between two people, purely based on physical attractions. In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo’s blind love starts to affect him as a person when he believes that his name “is hateful to myself because it is an enemy to thee” (2.2.60-61). During a period of blind love, the victims will adapt to the opposing party’s personalities. Romeo’s blind love for Juliet leads to the death of Mercutio, but he doesn’t take notice of this until it’s too late, when he says, “O sweet Juliet, thy beauty hath made me effeminate” (3.1.118-119). Romeo becomes unaware of his surroundings (ergo, blind), harms his fellow friends, and fall for every one of Juliet’s quirk. No one knows when this bubble will pop; only time will tell when the physical attractions will fall into oblivion.
The good type of love is one that isn’t blind; one that is has many supporting foundations and is sustainable. Sustainable love is based on physical attraction, mental connection, variety in lifestyles, ability to compromise, and most importantly, the want to stick with each other and support one another. We see from the more experienced characters that long-lasting love is very different. In Act 3, Scene 5, Lady Capulet starts off by calling her husband “mad” (3.5.162) and implies that her husband is in an irrational state when she says, “you are too hot” (3.5.186). Then we see her love and support come into action, when she adapts and tells Juliet to “talk not to me, for I’ll not speak a word” (3.5.214). The love between Lady Capulet and Lord Capulet results in their strong marriage. Both of them are similar in opinions and stick up for each other’s beliefs. In a sustainable love relationship, both parties are capable of making compromise and think rationally while putting their fond relation as top priority.
The final love that Shakespeare conveys in Romeo and Juliet is family. The bond between family members will never break; it’s the knowing one’s family will be there when friendships break apart. We see the Prince’s bond with his brother when he says, “Immediately we do exile him hence. I have an interest in your heart’s proceeding: My blood for your rude brawls doth lie a-bleeding” (3.2.196-199). The prince cares for his brother, so he gives Romeo a lighter punishment for seeking vengeance. We see more of this when Lord Montague says “my wife is dead tonight” (5.3.218). Lady Montague dies because of her depression that forms based on Romeo’s banishment. Family members can feel for one another, and understand the situation with limited judgments.
In Romeo and Juliet, blind love is responsible for the feud’s end, as blind love is the cause of Romeo and Juliet’s death. Maybe this is why love has so many interpretations. Love is a special bond between two individuals, and it takes the presence of bad for us to identify the positives of love.
Word Count (without quotes): 499
Word Count (with quotes): 579
Class Notes
Act One
1.1 - Edwin Z.
The scene starts off with a graphically intriguing conversation amongst two Capulet servants who make the feud seem like pointless fight. This scene builds up the exposition (continues from the prologue). Conflict starts to build when two Montague servants come in and battle. Benvolio enters and makes hypocritical attempts to stop the fight by giving free death threats and draws his sword then says, “Put up your swords” (1.1.66). Tybalt walks in and brews up trouble by starting a brawl. He’s creating a bigger conflict by feeding fire with fire. Then comes the prince, who uses his authority and better judgment to disperse the crowd and end the fight. The prince’s presence is a point where tension drops. We also learn that this is the third fight, “have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets” (1.1.93). Meanwhile, Romeo’s parents and Benvolio are concerned over Romeo’s emotional well-being. It appears that Romeo is unsure of his relationship with his current girlfriend, Rosaline; she is the lady who doesn’t responds to his love. The theme of youth versus old and love starts to build as we see the elders calmly conversing and Romeo with his lovesick attitude. The scene comes to an abrupt end as Romeo makes a request for a beautiful "fair" (1.1.243) lady who he will love at first sight. Benvolio is Romeo's close cousin who is very inquisitive and likes to help others; especially when he tries to cure Romeo’s lovesick by telling him to “examine other beauties” (1.1.236) Tybalt is a Capulet who strongly believes in the feud, and believes that violence ends all, thus him saying “have at thee, coward!” (1.1.73).
Word Count (without quotes): 249
Word Count (with quotes): 274
1.2-Joo Hyun
This scene starts off with conversation between Capulet and Paris. Capulet is happy to hear about Paris's desire to marry with his daughter but he thinks that Juliet is too young to marry with Paris. He invites Paris to traditional feast that he is holding. Capulet asks his serving man to invite people on the list. The serving man moans about his illiteracy. Romeo and Benvolio comes in. Then, the serving man comes in, and asks them to read the list. He finds out that Rosaline is coming to the feast. The serving man asks Romeo and Benvolio to come to the feast, assuming that they are not the Montagues. They decide to go.
Paris is a suitor of Juliet who is most favored by Capulet. This shows that Juliet has no power to choose a man to marry with her. Another character comes in, which is the serving man. He is a character that makes the play humorous. However, this character shows the social structure of the past.he couldn't have education as the upper class man could have.
First impression of Capulet is very caring and considerate. He really loves his daughter (Earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she;). He says, "My will to her consent is but a part," which means he cannot force Juliet to love with a man he chose.
‘Earth-treading stars’- beautiful women (light vs. dark)
Capulet and Prince speaks in rhyming verse (iambic pentameter), while the serving man talks in prose.
(248 words)
1.3 - Kenneth Act 1 Scene 3 is a buildup to the inciting incident, the celebration where Romeo and Juliet first meet. In this scene, Lady Capulet imparts to Juliet the news of her potential marriage with the County Paris. This lengthy conversation – in which Juliet’s beloved nurse continually digresses – eventually ends in Juliet’s capitulation to her mother’s urging.
This scene clearly outlines that Juliet and her mother are distant with one another. As soon as Lady Capulet requests to converse in private, she summons the nurse once again, unable to communicate with her daughter single-handedly (1.3.9). Lacking the sensitivity of a mother, she insists that girls younger than Juliet are already mothers. She only judges superficial traits, calling Juliet simply a cover for the beautiful book that Paris is (1.3.93-94). Lady Capulet demonstrates her bigotry through pressuring Juliet with her own ideals. In contrast, Juliet is a tactful girl who respects her mother (1.3.71, 1.3.105), developing the theme of young versus old. Obedient as she is, however, she leaves room for refusal through her vague words.
This lengthy discussion reveals the Nurse to be an amiable woman with a history of being Juliet’s caretaker. After her daughter died in an earthquake, Juliet became like her own daughter. As opposed to the other people of lower class, the Nurse speaks in blank verse rather than prose. This indicates that she has more importance than those of lower class, yet still does not have the same degree of sophistication as those of higher class.
Word Count: 250
1.4
1.5
Act 2
Phillip 2-1
Act Two scene One is a short scene in the story. It seems unimportant, and doesn’t have much significance towards the story line. This scene includes Romeo, but he only says two lines then runs away. The rest of the scene is Romeo’s friends Mercutio, and Romeo’s cousin Benvolio. Mercutio, and Benvolio, talk about Rosaline, who Romeo used to be in love with, until he met Juliet, but nobody knows about Romeo and Juliet yet. At the start of the scene the two of them look for Romeo who ran away from the Capulet’s party without saying anything to them. As Mercutio, and Benvolio search for Romeo, they start talking about Rosaline. They talk about how Romeo’s is a sappy lover type, make fun of him, by cruelly impersonating him. Mercutio starts to be his usual inappropriate self and talks about having sex with Rosaline. He keeps talking about doing very inappropriate things to her. Benvolio keeps quite and listens to Mercutio, without even trying to defend Romeo. This scene is only a page and a half long, and it doesn’t help the story progress. I believe it was only written to add some humor into the novel.
2-2: The Balcony Scene
Julia
The scene opens with Romeo alone in Capulet’s garden. Juliet appears on the balcony above and says to herself that either she or Romeo will have to disown their families, or they won’t be able to be together. After hearing her confess her love, Romeo reveals himself and tells her how much he loves her. They plan to get married. This scene is vital to the plot development because Romeo and Juliet confess their feelings for one another. Without the balcony scene, Romeo and Juliet, the most famous love story of all time, wouldn’t even be about love.
Juliet proves herself to be a practical, rational person in this scene. When she realizes she’s fallen in love too quickly, she merely says, “farewell compliment,” meaning that although she feels it’s all happening too fast, she thinks they should be perfectly upfront about their feelings. This shows that Juliet is remarkably sensible. Even as she is being swept off her feet she can still think logically, not allowing herself to be ruled by passion.
This scene contains many examples of light imagery, a recurring motif throughout the play. For example, Romeo famously compares Juliet’s beauty to the blinding light of the sun, saying, “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.” Romeo goes on to compare her eyes to stars and calls her a “bright angel.” His use of light imagery shows that he thinks she’s so beautiful she shines.
Word Count: 248
Act 3
3.1 (David Morency) - This scene is the most important of the play. Act three, scene one, begins on the hot Verona streets, where Benvolio is attempting to persuade Mercutio to "retire" [go inside]. "The day is hot, the Capels are abroad, and if we meet we shall not 'scape a brawl" (ll. 2-3) are Benvolio's reasons to go someplace else. This statement foreshadows the brawl to take place later in 3.1.
As the two friends continue walking, they encounter Tybalt. The “Capel” then inquires Mercutio of Romeo's whereabouts. Spoiling for a fight, Mercutio insults Tybalt. Benvolio, a man of peace, proposes to "either withdraw unto some private place, or reason coldly of your grievances, or else depart" (ll. 52-54). At this point, the audience begins to understand the full extent of Benvolio’s pacifism and Tybalt’s need to fight. Additionally, Mercutio begins to stand out as an equally fiery character.
Two lines later, Romeo enters, fresh from his wedding, and is challenged by Tybalt. In the dramatically ironic twist that they’re now related, Romeo tells Tybalt “I never injured thee but love thee" (ll. 69).
Mercutio, enraged by Romeo's "vile submission" (ll. 74) attacks Tybalt, and dies under Romeo’s arm. "A plague o' both houses" (ll. 94) are his dying words, which develops the theme that Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are fated.
Avenging Mercutio, Romeo kills Tybalt. Their duel makes 3.1 the climax and crisis of the plot, because Romeo’s punishment (banishment) for killing Tybalt eventually separates him from his love Juliet.
(250 words exactly)
3.2 By: Erin Kim (258 words)
At the beginning of the scene Juliet gives a speech saying that she wants phaeton (the god of the sun) to drag the sun across the sky faster, so night would come. Night is when Romeo will come. In her speech there are lots of references to speed, which shows her impatience. “Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds” (3.2.1) “O, I have bought the mansion of love But not possessed it”- Compares love to a mansion.
After her speech, the nurse enters with horrible news. “Ah, welladay! He’s dead, he’s dead, he’s dead!” (3.2.38) The nurse kept saying that someone was dead, but she didn’t specify WHO was dead, so Juliet thought that Romeo was dead.
After she finds out that Romeo killed Tybalt she uses many oxymoron’s. Her emotions are all over the place, and she does not know what to feel. She loves Romeo, but she has to hate him for killing Tybalt.” Was ever book containing such vile matter So fairly bound? O, that deceit should dwell In such a gorgeous place.” In that sentence she is referring back to her mothers speech about Paris. She is worried that she made the same mistake as her mother by judging Romeo by his looks.
After this her confusion Juliet decides that she rather have her parents dead than have Romeo banished. “That “banishèd,” that one word banished, Hath slain ten thousand Tybalt’s” She is also saying that having Romeo banished is worse than having 10,000 Tybalt’s dead. This shows how much Juliet is in love with Romeo.
3.3 – Dianna
The Friar informs Romeo that he has been banished, and as the scene progresses, Romeo’s behavior grows increasingly childlike as the Friar tries to reason with him. Frustrations arise due to a lack of communication between the two. The Nurse arrives, and the scene concludes with the plan for Romeo to go to Mantua.
This scene is essential in characterizing Romeo and the Friar. Romeo is portrayed as exceptionally immature and impulsive. He weeps, rather than rejoice for escaping harsher punishment. Instead of taking responsibility for his own actions, he blames his foul deeds on his name: “…that name’s cursed hand murdered her kinsman” (3.3.113-114). He then attempts to commit suicide, without thinking about the effect his drastic actions will have on Juliet. Still on the floor, when the Nurse gives Romeo Juliet’s ring, he leaps up like a stubborn child given a toy and exclaims, “How well my comfort is revived by this” (3.3.175)!
The Friar demonstrates his rationality, giving Romeo reasons to live: he was not killed by Tybalt nor sentenced to death, and Juliet still lives. He eventually loses his patience with Romeo’s foolishness and his tone grows harsh and he addresses Romeo as an “Unseemly woman in a seeming man” (3.3.122).
This scene further develops the theme of youth and age. Romeo is too stubborn to listen to the Friar’s reasoning, and it is obvious from the Friar’s blunt statements that he does not understand the depth of Romeo and Juliet’s love: “There, on the ground, with his own tears made drunk” (3.3.90-91). The nurse, as well, describes their despair as “weeping and blubb’ring” (3.3.95). This communication gap isolates the lovers from wisdom that could otherwise prevent their tragic fate.
Word Count with Quotes: 284
Word Count without Quotes: 245
3.4
Nicole Wu
Act three scene four is basically the “grieving Tybalt” scene in which the Capulets’ were delivered the news by the nurse of Tybalt’s death. In the beginning of the book Capulet is a kind loving father who clearly states that he does not think Juliet is ready for marriage for she is too young, and tells Paris to wait a few years. Capulets’ opinion changes in this scene because he thinks that if Paris and Juliet were to marry in a few days everybody would stop grieving about Tybalt’s death, and join the merriment and happiness of the wedding. “She shall be married to this noble earl... But what say you to Thursday?” (3.5-22-31) He tells Paris to ask for Juliet’s hand in marriage on the following Thursday to which Paris agrees to. What Capulet does not know is that Juliet is already married to Romeo, son of their enemies. This creates a lot of dramatic irony because the audience knows that Juliet will decline her father’s request to marry Paris due to the fact that she is happily in love and married to Romeo, but Capulet is absolutely sure that she will say yes. You can tell from this scene how much Juliet really means to Capulet, because she's the only thing he has left and he believes that if he marries her off, then it'll make her happy. Another subject that creates dramatic irony is that Romeo did indeed kill Tybalt, making the Capulets’ despise him, which makes Romeo and Juliet’s love even more complicated. What Capulet and Lady Capulet don’t know to what extremes Juliet will go to to stay faithful to Romeo.
Without quote: 261
With quote: 278
Act 4
4.1- Stephane 4.1 is the falling action where it starts off with Paris making arrangements with Friar Lawrence for the wedding chosen on Thursday. The Friar tried to raise objections since he knows that Juliet is already married to Romeo, but Paris insists that this marriage will help regain Juliet’s happiness again. Juliet enters, looking very graceful even when she’s under pressure. As Paris talks to her, Juliet is being rather equivocal (ambiguous) with her responses yet without sounding too rude.
After Paris exits, Juliet’s true emotions surface and she pleads with the Friar to help solve her mess. She also threatens to kill herself rather than marry Paris. The Friar gives a special potion to Juliet, instructing her to drink it the night before wedding day. He explains that she will appear to be dead and will be sent to the Capulet’s tomb, where Romeo will then be informed with this plan and come rescue her. Juliet desperately agrees to the plan, and thank the Friar before she leaves. This scene shows how personal desire (emotions) can affect people’s decision. Paris desires to marry Juliet in order to make her happy again, Juliet’s desire to be with Romeo makes her avoid the marriage at all cost. And the Friar’s desire to do what he thinks is right which might bring peace to Verona. The audience is left hanging at the end of 4.1, because now they know Juliet is going to fake her death, thus creating tension in the play.
Word count: 249
4.2 - Erika
This scene is very short and fast paced, but it plays an important part in the plot.
In act 4 scene 2, it is Tuesday and Capulet prepares for Juliet’s wedding. Juliet enters, having just made plans with the Friar to escape her wedding and go to Mantua with Romeo. Juliet, wanting to seem like a good daughter so that Capulet does not suspect anything, apologizes and begs for his forgiveness. She plays the part well, even adding in that she is ‘ever ruled by [him].’ (4.2.23) Capulet believes her performance and is so excited that he moves her wedding up from Thursday to Wednesday, so that they’ll ‘to church tomorrow.’ (4.2.38)
Capulet moving the wedding earlier increases the tension and suspense, as there will be even less time before Juliet carries out her risky plan. The movement of the wedding quickens the plot’s pace as the audience worries about how this change in plan will affect Juliet’s.
This scene shows the audience that Juliet is a clever girl as she is able to convince her father of her complete obedience, when really she is about to defy him.
Word count: 189
Act 4 scene 3 - Cindy -Orisons = prays -Sudden business(to Juliet)= Wedding, which the Lord Capulet have changed the date from Thursday to Wednesday.
This scene starts off in Juliet's bedroom with Juliet preparing for bed. After Lady Capulet exits, Juliet starts to get ready to drink the potion that she received from the Friar. However, before she drinks the potion, she expresses four different fears. “I have a faint cold fear thrills through my veins"(4.3.16). This quote shows that Juliet is threatened. First fear is that if the potion doesn't work, she would have to marry Paris. She decides if she wakes up the next morning, she is going to kill herself. The second worry is that the Friar might trick her and might actually kill her. The Friar is the one who did something wrong by marrying Romeo and Juliet. So, if someone finds this out, he might get into trouble. Yet, Juliet believes him because he is a holy man. Third fear is that she might wake up before Romeo arrives and suffocate from lack of air in the tomb. The fourth fear is that when she wakes up in the tomb, the terror of the vault will be too much. Surrounded by dead people, she might kill herself in the fear. Juliet's final speech before she drinks the potion is a good example of the Shakespearean soliloquy. She consciously thinks of pros and cons that could happen. In this scene, the audience knows that some of Juliet's worries will be real, which creates sympathy and pity towards Juliet. Through Juliet's challenge in this scene, the readers can see how strong love is. Word count : 252
Act 4 Scene 4 - Jordan
Act 4 Scene 4 is a short scene in which Lady Capulet and the Nurse are getting ready for Juliet’s wedding. In this scene, Lady Capulet reveals that the Nurse’s name is Angelica. Although this scene doesn’t contribute much to plot development, it does serve a few purposes. For one, it is an obvious contrast to the previous scenes. This type of scene helped keep the less educated audience members engaged and the delay creates suspense for us readers. Also, imperative verbs make the scene fast paced. This emphasizes how fast things are moving in the play. It’s also because of the fast-moving pace of the plot that this scene is needed. This notion of time going by makes the story seem more realistic. (125 words)
Act 4 Scene 5 - Jordan Act 4 Scene 5 opens with the Nurse trying to wake Juliet for her wedding. This scene is mainly the reaction of the Nurse, Lady, and Lord Capulet when they find out that Juliet is dead. Through this seemingly tragic event, we can see that both of Juliet’s parents still love her very much and that the Nurse, being less educated, shows her grief differently. Capulet is using the metaphor of his daughter marrying death (mentioned by Juliet in previous scenes). Lady Capulet uses the metaphor of time going away. The Nurse just uses simple, sad words that are repeated throughout the scene.
The rest of this scene is a juxtaposition (comedy and tragedy). Put in for comic relief, the Nurse and Peter argue about funeral music.
Quotes:
“Revive, look up, or I will die with thee.” (4.5.25) Shows that Lady Capulet really loves her daughter even if she doesn’t show it often.
“O, weraday, that ever I was born!-” (4.5.18) Nurse is swearing on her life and this shows how much she cared for Juliet.
“Death lies on her like an untimely frost/ Upon the sweetest flower of all the field.” (4.5.33-34) Lord Capulet compares Juliet to a spring flower that is killed by winter. He is saying that her death is too early; she hasn’t had time to live yet.
The Friar’s speech (4.5.70-99) is him trying to offer comfort to Juliet’s parents. He tells them that she is in a better place now (vault; dramatic irony since that is where the lovers will be reunited) and that they should be happy for their daughter.
Lines 90-95 create a very gloomy mood. Everything that was supposed to be used for the wedding is now used for the sudden burial.
best array (4.5.87): wedding clothes
Light vs. Dark: Black day (305 words + quotes)
Act 5
5.1 - Erica So
What was the purpose of 5.1?
-Only scene placed in Mantua
-Develops the plot:
-Audience sees Romeo get the poison
-Creates suspense:
-Delays the approaching deaths
-Audience learns how deadly the poison is
5.1 starts with Romeo in Mantua, talking about his dream of Juliet bringing him back to life after his death. This, as the audience knows from the prologue, contradicts the tragedy at the end. Balthasar, his man, barges in and crushes Romeo’s dreams. Balthasar tells Romeo of Juliet’s “death”, and Romeo wails, “Then I defy you, stars!” (5.1, 25); meaning he will defy fate by committing suicide so that fate can’t control his life anymore. Peculiarly, Romeo does not question Juliet’s death and immediately plans his own. This supports the idea that Romeo is impetuous and is too wrapped up in his emotions to care. It’s also a connection to how youth base their decision-making on emotions. He then sends Balthasar off to hire horses and plans to leave Mantua that night. This is followed by Romeo’s descriptive recollection of a poor apothecary nearby and his plan to get poison for himself. (5.1, 37-60). At the apothecary, Romeo bribes the old man for a poison that could kill a man instantly, knowing that selling poisons is against Mantua’s law and it’s death penalty if committed. The apothecary says “My poverty, but not my will, consents.” (5.1, 79) which shows that it’s against his morals but he’ll do it for his need of money. He hands Romeo the poison that could kill anyone immediately, even “if you had the strength of twenty men” (5.1, 82-83). Within 5.1, Shakespeare shows the lack of money corrupts people. He demonstrates a contrast: the young embrace death while the old go against it (Suicidal rates: higher for young men). 5.1 also shows how strong love can be and its affect on a person, resulting to killing oneself.
Word Count (Without Quotes): 283
5.2-Antonio Cardoso
Scene takes place in Verona, the characters are Friar Lawrence and Friar John. It starts of by Friar Lawrence exited, wanting to hear what Romeo had wrote back from Mantua. But then the tragedy is revealed that Friar John was not allowed to reach Mantua because he was stuck in a town, which had the black plague, so he had to return to Verona, without informing Romeo that Juliet is sleeping because of the poison and Friar Lawrence’s plan for them to escape. So Friar Lawrence decides to wake up Juliet and tell her to hide in his cell while he will get another message out to Romeo. The theme of fortune is again developed in this scene. “Unhappy fortune!” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 5 Scene 2) Lawrence is blaming on fortune that Romeo is not receiving the letter, and the whole play is based on fortune, and how much bad fortune these characters have. There is also the matter of the plague, Mercutio says a plague on both your houses, and he plague that stops Friar John might be this plague, killing a member of each house. The members being Romeo and Juliet. The plague is fate. The audience also obtains a feeling of relief, because Friar Lawrence explains his plan to rescue Juliet and contact Romeo again. They start to think that everything will be fine, but they know from the prologue that it is not, so they became interested to see what happens, and how they die.
Word Count (250 words)
5.3 - Benedict Tanudjojo Act 5.3 is the ending, the falling action as well as the denouement. In this last and longest scene, Romeo arrives to where Juliet is buried. There, Paris tries to prevent Romeo from seeing Juliet and consequently is killed by Romeo’s impetuousness. When Romeo sees Juliet dead, he takes his poison and commits suicide. The Friar enters to be there when Juliet wakes, when he arrives, he sees Romeo dead. When Juliet awakes, she is shocked by Romeo’s death, the Friar leaves, and lets Juliet commit suicide and dies next to Romeo. The Prince and his policemen arrive, together with heads of family from the Capulets and Montagues. Friar Lawrence explains the whole story behind Romeo and Juliet and the crowd is enlightened. Realizing that the family feud was the fault of Romeo and Juliet’s death, Lord Capulet and Lord Montague reconcile, shaking hands. In this scene, Shakespeare further develops the play’s most common themes of fate, death and age. Before Romeo commits suicide, he says, “Shake the yoke of inauspicious stars (5.3.111)” meaning to get rid of fate as a physical and mental burden. Earlier he describes, “Sour his misfortune’s book (5.3.82)”, depicting how death is chosen by fate. The Friar further develops this by saying, “a greater power than we can contradict (5.3.228)” showing his belief in “what shall be, will be”. Furthermore, Shakespeare expresses differences in age through Capulet, “to press before thy father to the grave (5.3.223)”. As these themes reappear in the end, they resonate to create a satisfying ending.
word count: 250 words
Characters:
Romeo - Julia
The character Romeo from Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet is so iconic that his name has become a synonym for “hopeless romantic.” In fact, Romeo is not just extremely romantic, he’s extreme about all his emotions, such as determination. He tends to let emotions, rather than logical thought, control his actions. In several cases, his vengeful or sorrowful moods determine the outcome of the play. But in the end, Romeo is still just one of the boys, a witty and considerate friend, son and master.
When Romeo learns that he's been banished from Verona and separated from Juliet, rather than sentenced to death, he is in anguish. He cries, throws himself on the ground, and says to the Friar, “Hadst thou no poison mixed, no sharp-ground knife,/No sudden mean of death, though ne’er so mean, but ‘banishéd’ to kill me?” Just the thought of being separated from her sends him into hysterics. Despite the Friar’s attempts to make him see reason, Romeo is still in agony. The Friar’s logic doesn’t work on him because Romeo thinks with his heart, rather than with his head. In Act 2 Scene 2, Romeo leaves his friends to go hide in the Capulets’ garden. If Romeo used logic to make decisions, he would realize that he has a responsibility to his friends and besides, hiding in the garden probably wouldn’t accomplish anything. Romeo doesn’t use cold reason to make decisions, he simply follows his heart.
Romeo’s passion is also important for advancing the plot. His deep sorrow over his unrequited “love” for Rosalind moves his friends Benvolio and Mercutio to drag him to a party, which they hope will make him feel better. This, of course, is the party where Romeo meets Juliet. If he hadn’t been in pain over Rosalind, Romeo would never have met Juliet. Additionally, when Mercutio is killed in a brawl, Romeo’s grief and guilt for having a hand in Mercutio’s death combine into incredible anger at his killer. Although he was tried to stop the fight at first, he changes his mind and proclaims, “Fire-eyed fury be my conduct now,” (3.1.49). In a fit of rage, Romeo murders Mercutio’s killer, getting himself banished.
Romeo has a personality outside of his storms of passion, too. When he and Mercutio have a battle of wits in Act 2 Scene 4, Mercutio is overjoyed that he’s gotten over Rosalind. “Why, is not this better now than groaning/for love? Now art thou sociable, now art thou/ Romeo,” he says. This shows that when Romeo’s not caught up in one of his storms of passion, his friends recognize him as a clever friend with a razor wit. Also, Romeo is a thoughtful, considerate person, even when he commits suicide. He takes care to say goodbye to his parents, and makes sure his servant doesn’t have to watch him kill himself. He’s even nice to Juliet’s fiancee telling him, “By heaven, I love thee better than myself,” (5.3.64), and pleading with him not to fight. In the end, Romeo even buries him next to Juliet.
458 words
Montague & Lady Montague -
Benvolio - Phillip - Benvolio is an important character in this novel; he is part a part of many of the main events of this novel. Benvolio is Romeo’s cousin and is on the side of the Montagues. At the beginning of the novel Benvolio seems to be a peacekeeper between the Montagues and the Capulets. “I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, or manage it to part these men with me.” in this quote Benvolio tries to break up the fight between Tybalt and the Montagues. He doesn’t want to fight, and he doesn’t want anyone else to fight and it seems that he doesn’t want him or her to get hurt. Benvolio doesn’t only care about people’s health he also cares about their problems. In act one scene one, when Romeo was sad about Rosaline and his break up, Romeo was really sad. Instead of letting Romeo’s parents talk to him, he insisted that he should be the one to help. “What sadness lengthens Romeo’s hours?” This quote shows how Benvolio cares about his cousin’s feelings. He wanted to care. Throughout the story we see how Benvolio changes and has changed. In section three act one Mercutio says “Thou – why, thou wilt quarrel with a man that hath less hair in his beard than thou hast. Thou wilt quarrel with a man for cracking nuts, having for having no other reason but because thou hast hazel eyes. What eye but such an eye would spy out such a quarrel?” Even though it is a long quote, it really gives us some knowledge about him. Here we see that maybe Benvolio wasn’t always the person he is. He seemed to have a mean streak and used to be a fighter. This makes it seem that Benvolio would always look for fights for any little reason, even if it was pathetic. It could be possible that he had a bad past and decided to change, but that is not told in the story. In section three act one, when Mercutio and Tybalt were both killed, Benvolio gave a long speech, about what happened and why. If it was true about Benvolio’s past, then now we see how different he is. He tried to help Romeo not get in trouble with the law, but when he was asked about what happened he told the truth. Benvolio doesn’t have any real conflicts throughout the novel but still plays an important role. He is always part of the fight between the Montagues and the Capulets. Although he is one of the main characters, he isn’t seen or heard of at the end of the novel. After the death of Mercutio, he disappears and is not heard of ever again. Word count 471.
Juliet - Erin Word count 532-with quotes Juliet is first introduced in this play in Act 1 Scene 3. In this scene we learn that Juliet has not yet turned 14. In Juliet’s first meeting with Lady Capulet, her mother, she seems very obedient and polite. “Madam, I am here. What is your will?” (1.3.7) This makes Juliet seem very respectful towards her mother. When her mother starts to talk about Paris’s interest in her, Juliet says “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move. But no more deep will I endart mine eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly.” (1.3.103-105). During the course of this play, Juliet has changed from a young girl who is faithful to her family, to a Woman who is only faithful to her husband.
In act 2.2, Juliet is again seen at her balcony, talking about her love for Romeo. The speech in this scene shows Juliet’s practicality. “Deny thy father and refuse thy name, Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.” (2.2.37-39). In this quote she is saying that there are two possibilities, 1. that Romeo is no longer a Montague or 2. Juliet will no longer be a Capulet.
“ It is too rash, too unadvis’d, too sudden” (2.2.118) This shows that Juliet is now a woman who carefully thinks about her decisions and the consequences of her actions. Even this shows her maturing she still hasn’t lost all her childish traits like insecurity. “If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully.” (2.2.94) This shows Juliet's lack of confidence in Romeo’s love. Also in act 2.5 Juliet is portrayed as a girl who still hasn't let go of her childish impatience. “Had she affections, and warm youthful blood, She would be as swift in motion as a ball” (2.5.12)
After Tybalt was slain, and the news reached Juliet in 3.2. The news of Tybalt's death causes conflicting feelings for Juliet because she's was torn between her love for Romeo and her love for Tybalt, her cousin. “Beautiful tyrant, fiend angelical!” This quote represents Juliet’s immense confusion of her feelings. Finally she makes up her mind. "Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband?" (3.2.98). This again shows her love for Romeo and that after Juliet married Romeo, she is more faithful to Romeo than her own family.
Juliet's decision in Act 5 to take the potion rather than marry Paris shows her bravery. She worries about what would happen if the plan didn’t work, but still resolves to taking the potion for her true love. Before she drinks the potion she makes a speech about her fears about the potion. This speech shows that Juliet is brave and also desperate because she still takes the potion after she talks about all her fears.
In this play it seems as if Juliet was forced to mature too quickly. The emphasis throughout the play on Juliet's youth, regardless of her growing maturity, makes the story more tragic. It shows that love can mature you even in a period of four days. In the course of this play (4 days) Juliet has changed from a naive young girl to a mature woman.
Capulet & Lady Capulet
The Nurse - Kenneth Zhou
Juliet's nurse, Angelica, is a flat static character whose dialogue is typically in blank verse, as opposed to the servants, who speak in prose, indicating her significant role as a character. First introduced in Act 1 Scene 3, Angelica provides a continuation in the plot by being the secret messenger between Romeo and Juliet, as well as executing many of their plans. In Romeo and Juliet, she meets with Romeo just as many times, if not more, as Juliet. Due to this significant character role, the transience of Romeo and Juliet’s love is emphasized. Her unquestioning consent to Juliet’s relationship with Romeo confirms that she is partially responsible for the many events in the play. In turn, her liability indicates that the impetuousness of youth and wisdom of the elderly is not so absolute.
Angelica’s words are often digressive monologues (e.g. the bulk of 1.3) and her lines abound with countless sexual innuendos (e.g. “The County Paris hath set up his rest / That you shall rest but little”, 4.5.8-9) and malapropisms (e.g. “I desire some confidence with you”, 2.4.129), which provide comic relief to the play, making her a dramatic parallel to Mercutio. However, her character parallel is Friar Lawrence, as she is the mother figure to Juliet, similar to his relationship to Romeo. Unlike the Friar, Angelica truly takes Romeo and Juliet’s relationship into consideration. It can be said that Lady Capulet is Juliet’s “public” mother, while Angelica, as her confidante, is her “private” mother.
A congenial woman who continually expresses her hope and pride for Juliet, Angelica believes that any man “that can lay hold of her shall have the chinks” (1.5.129-30), and “toils in [Juliet’s] delight” (2.5.80). Her many malapropisms are caused by her illiteracy (2.4.190-200), which in turn lead to her inarticulacy, as demonstrated by her inability to express her grief after Juliet “dies” (4.5.55) and her self-contradictory description of Romeo (2.5.40-48). She is somewhat oblivious, being extremely ambiguous in Act 3 Scene 2, and later being exceedingly blunt in Act 3 Scene 5. As a woman of low class, she is stereotypically portrayed as vulgar, often swearing “by [her] maidenhead” (1.3.2) or making other crude references. Despite her ignorance, she still proves her worth as a practical woman who has a prudent grasp of life. When she and Romeo plot the secret marriage, she ensures that his servant is “secret” (2.4.199). In Act 2 Scene 4, she is characterized as an unattractive, overweight woman, the “ancient lady’s” (2.4.145) clothes flowing in the wind like “a sail” (2.4.104).
Since the beginning of the play, Angelica is respectful of her employers, Lord and Lady Capulet. Nonetheless, she disregards the feud, indicated by her lack of commentary on it and her effortless habituation into a friendly relationship with Romeo, her supposed enemy. There appears to be no evidence of Angelica having any internal conflict, but it can be argued that she soon becomes torn between siding with the heads of Capulet or Juliet. Eventually, after the heated conflict in Act 3 Scene 5, albeit initially defending Juliet, she tractably complies to her parents instead, the more authoritative of the two parties. In her belief that the marriage is Juliet’s only option, the maternal figure leaves the thirteen-year-old girl to confront the world alone, amplifying the suspense. In her last appearance in Act 4 Scene 5, she “discovers” Juliet’s death, this instant response to possibly leading to the family’s lack of questioning of the situation.
Word Count with Quotes: 586
Without Quotes: 517
Tybalt - (David Morency)
"What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word as I hate Hell, all Montagues, and thee [Benvolio]. Have at thee, coward" (1.1.71-73). Tybalt is Juliet's cousin. From his first appearance in the play, it is evident that he is not only a "saucy boy" (1.5.94), but a living embodiment of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues. He enters the stage sword drawn, screaming insults, and ready to duel the Montague, Benvolio. Through challenging the Montague so quickly, Tybalt's reckless characteristics are firmly established. Here, Shakespeare uses Tybalt's threats and threatening interactions (drawing his sword) towards Benvolio to reinforce the character's contempt of Montagues as well as his desire to fight. The brawl in 1.1 is also an example of how Tybalt moves the plot forward. Following the fight, the play's main conflict has been introduced, and when Benvolio leaves, the unrequited Romeo is introduced.
When Tybalt makes a second appearance in 1.5, he is less involved in the scene's development, but a hatred towards "that villain Romeo" (1.5.73) is kindled. In 1.5, Tybalt realizes the Montague, Romeo, at the party, but Capulet, being a conservative adult, replies by telling Tybalt he is a "saucy boy" (1.5.94) and must refrain from conflict. Capulet's statement both aids Tybalt’s character development, and the theme of age and youth. Tybalt's last line in 1.5 is a foreboding threat towards Romeo. This threat eventually moves the plot forward until it erupts into the climax of the play, 3.1.
By 3.1, Tybalt's qualities are manifest. However, his conflicts just begin to surface. It is well known that Tybalt preserves the ancient feud between the Capulets and Montagues, but that doesn't become a conflict (for him) until 3.1. In 3.1, Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel based on his uninvited attendance to the party in 1.5. "Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford no better term than this" thou art a villain" (3.1.61-62) is the insult the fiery Tybalt slanders Romeo with in Act 3. However, his hate for Romeo is answered by hate from Mercutio; who serves as Tybalt's equivalent in the aspect of fiery personality. Mercutio and Tybalt's duel is Tybalt's main external conflict as well as the play's. When Mercutio dies, and Romeo avenges him by killing Tybalt, Tybalt as a character dies. Fortunately, his impact remains by sending Romeo into exile, separating him from Juliet, and arranging the wedding between Juliet and Paris.
Alive for only half the play, Tybalt develops a major theme and essential question. The theme of youth vs. age is demonstrated by Tybalt’s impetuous nature and unthoughtful decision to duel Romeo. Additionally, the essential question of Who is to blame for the tragic events of the play?" is once again Tybalt. As mentioned earlier, Tybalt's death sends the lovers, Romeo and Juliet, into a catastrophic spiral of events that eventually leads to their demise. That's also why 3.1 is the play's climax, because the play begins to take a turn for the worse.
(500 words exactly)
Escalus, Prince of Verona
Mercutio - Joo Hyun
Mercutio is a kinsman to the Prince, and Rome’s close friend. He is one of the most extraordinary characters in the play. He is sometimes strange, wit and satirical. He likes to play with words even just before his death. He is fun as well as bitter. He is the character that puts humor into the play to make the play more interesting. The story is tragedy. Humors between gloomy scenes will make the effect of tragedy to be larger because it contrasts with humorous scenes.
Mercutio appears in the play from Act 1 scene 4. He comes in with six other people and Benvolio. He teases Romeo about Romeo’s love for Rosaline. When he is speaking to Romeo, he says lots of puns. “That dreamers often lie”(1.4.56) is an example for a pun used in conversation between Romeo and Mercutio.
Then, he appears in Act 2 Scene 1. Mercutio has similar characteristics to those of the Nurse’s. He is very loquacious, chatty and likes to make rude jokes. He is the comic relief of the play. In this scene, Mercutio jests at Romeo’s love, “Cry but “Ay me,” pronounce but “love” and “dove”.” (2.1.12-13). Romeo gets annoyed. “He jests at scars that never felt a wound.” Romeo says that Mercutio has never felt love like Romeo before. Mercutio calls for Romeo by saying, “Romeo! Humors! Madman! Passion! Lover!” He then says, “my invocation is fair and honest, in his mistress’ name” Mercutio shows his concern and expresses It to Romeo. Mercutio does not want Romeo to marry Juliet because he knew that there will be feud between the two families. In Act2 scene 4, Mercutio loses in a battle of wits with Romeo. In this scene, Mercutio mocks the Nurse.
Then, he appears in Act 3 scene1. He gets to fight with Tybalt in this scene. Before the actual fight, Mercutio ridicules Tybalt by insulting Tybalt. Mercutio is usually a witty character. However, in this scene, his wittiness led to death of himself. Mercutio gets enraged by Romeo’s v “vile submission” (3.1.74) and attacks Tybalt. After he got stabbed by Tybalt, he says “A plague o’ both houses!” (3.1.94). This develops the theme that Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are fated.He also puns about his wound, “and you shall find me a grave man.” He curses both Capulets and Montagues for several times but he uses pun as well. Then, Mercutio turns to Romeo and says, “Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.” At this point, Mercutio realizes that he is going to die soon. This quote is a striking contrast between the jesting and curses that have come before.
(446 words)
The Friar - Dianna Friar Lawrence is a father figure, caring greatly for Romeo, but at the same time maintaining a low opinion of the youth. He is wise and rational in giving advice, like “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast” (2.3.86), and reasoning with Romeo in 3.3 when he laments his banishment and attempts suicide. However, the Friar’s wish to be a hero accountable for peace between the Capulets and Montagues overpowers his better judgment and leads to some impulsive decisions. He realizes there will be consequences to his hasty marriage of Romeo and Juliet as he prays “That after-hours chide us not” (2.6.2). This shows him as hypocritical; not taking his own advice of approaching love with care. The Friar takes responsibility for his rash actions by trying to fix things, but in a final, critical moment, he gives in to cowardice.
The Friar is a key character in plot advancement, made important partly by his internal conflicts. Wishing only the best for Romeo, but also hoping to mend relations between the two feuding families, he marries Romeo and Juliet in secret. His logic gave way to a selfish, ulterior motive. When Romeo is banished, the Friar suggests that he flee to Mantua, and concocts the dangerous plan concerning the potion of seeming death. Finally, in 5.3, just as Juliet realizes Romeo is dead, the Friar’s cowardice wins over the valor that could possibly have saved Juliet’s life and he flees from the vault.
The Friar’s speech (2.3.1-31) incorporates many themes as well as foreshadowing. Using herbs as metaphors, he conveys that there are two opposites in everything; Bad things can come from good things, like Romeo’s love. At the same time, his speech foreshadows what is to come—the potion. The Friar observes that the earth is a womb and a tomb, where all things are born and die—the theme of life and death. Lastly, the Friar uses phrases like “frowning night” (2.3.1) and “streaks of light” (2.3.2), which continue the opposition of light and dark.
The theme of youth and age is greatly developed through this character. The Friar assumes that “unbruised youth with unstuffed brain” (2.3.39) have no worries, and are not capable of deep passion, evident by his blunt dismissal of Romeo’s grief in 3.3: “There on the ground, with his own tears made drunk” (3.3.90-91). The Friar’s incapability to understand the depth of Romeo and Juliet’s love, and thus, his inability to communicate properly with them, isolates the two from the wisdom that may have otherwise prevented their tragic fate. In 5.3, the Friar heads towards the vault, but his “old feet [stumble] at graves” (5.3.22) and he is too late to save Romeo. This contrasts the speed with which the youth always seem to rush into things. With these points, the fact that the Friar married the two lovers, couldn’t save Romeo and wouldn’t save Juliet, one could argue that he is the one to blame for the disastrous outcome of the play.
Word Count: 500
Oppositions
Love and Hate - Stephane William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a story that tells us equally about both love and hate. While the story clearly focused on love, hate actually plays a very huge part in the play as well. This contrast is illustrated many times throughout the plot and is probably best summed up by Romeo’s line in 1.1, which also sums up the whole play, “Here’s much to do with hate, but more with love” (1.1.180). Shakespeare’s emphasis on this opposition is what drives the plot forward and develops one of the biggest theme in the whole play: Love and Hate.
This major theme is introduced in the very beginning of 1.1, where it shows Verona’s streets are full of violence, fighting and hate, especially between the two families; the Montague and Capulet. The hatred between them got so serious to the point that even the Prince has to tell them, “If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace” (1.1.98-99). This scene is contrasted with the scenes where Romeo and Juliet are together, particularly 2.2. The deep and instant love they have for each other helps the audience understand how strong their love is, yet at the same time it is compared with the hate-filled society of Verona.
Each characters has different ways of showing their love and hate. They interpret and define it differently base on their experience, characteristic, and people that influence them. There are different kinds of love that exists in the play including friendship, family and couple love. Hate, however, is mostly centered around the hatred between the two families, which is what triggers the characters to hate the opposite family, for example Lord Capulet and Lord Montague. These two contradicting feelings show how love and hate are both equally powerful, as they are compared from the characters’ behavior and actions.
The chaos in 1.1 demonstrates the power of hate and how hate between the families itself have already pass down to its servants. Tybalt is also a key character where hate is focused on. His hate for the Montagues is clearly shown through his aggressive and fierce actions. “I hate the word, I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee. Have at thee coward!” (1.1.71-73). The power of love is, of course, seen in the determination of Romeo and Juliet to defy their parents and be together.
In the entire play, we can see clashes of passionate love and fiery hate that shows the opposition are both equally strong enough to cause tragedy in the end. In the beginning, the couple’s love may seem stronger than the hatred of the feud, but as the story progresses, we can see it’s a bitter struggle. Even though hatred is strong enough to separate the lovers and eventually force them to commit suicide along with death of others, the story shows love is still stronger than hate, for nothing can destroy the love Romeo and Juliet have for each other.
Word Count: 500 exactly
Light and Dark- Cindy
One of the most often repeated image patterns in Romeo and Juliet involves the interplay of light and dark. Light is usually considered “good” and conversely, dark is viewed as “evil” or “bad”. For example, Romeo compares Juliet to light throughout the play. “It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!”(2.2.2-3). When Romeo first sees Juliet, he announces that she teaches “the torches to burn bright” (1.5.43), which means that Juliet is the center who brightens the world. Romeo’s explanation about Juliet tells the audience that Romeo’s love for Rosaline is over, and it creates an association between Juliet and light that will endure throughout the play. The readers can see that act 2 scene 2 is the most important scene of the play; it is the scene where Romeo and Juliet first meet. In this scene, Romeo contrasts Juliet’s beauty to light.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That thou, her maid, art fair more fair than she (2.2.4-6)
Romeo says to ‘kill’ the envious moon, which represents Rosaline, whom Romeo used to love. When Juliet is on the balcony, Romeo continues to reflect on the brightness of Juliet; he then compares Juliet’s eyes to stars, and her cheek to daylight. Romeo’s soliloquy in this scene provides a strong relationship between Juliet and light, which is beautiful and good.
Although typical notions of light and dark are used in the play, day and night are used in the opposite way. Night is the precious time, because it aids the love between Romeo and Juliet, and day becomes evil where it is full of death and fights. An example of this appears in act 3 scene 2, where Juliet is waiting for Romeo to come to her. “Come, night. Come, Romeo. Come, thou day in night.” (3.2.16). Juliet mentions that night will bring her her love, which will help their love to step forward. In the play, day is a representative of death and destruction. The main support for this is act 3 scene 1, where there is a fight between Montagues and Capulets. Also, at the end of their honeymoon night, Romeo says, “More light and light, more dark and dark our woes” (3.5.36). This quote shows that the lovers must part before the light arrives. So looking at this, Shakespeare used an unusual opposition in the play, where he compares light to good and dark to bad, while also comparing night to good and day to bad. (Word Count: 423)
Dreams and Reality - Jordan
In Romeo and Juliet, characters have different views on dreams and reality. From Act 1 to Act 5, Romeo has shown that he believes in the power of dreams. “In bed asleep while they do dream things true.” (1.4.57). Romeo is so in love, he willingly believes almost anything. “I dreamt my lady came and found me dead/.../That I revived and was an emperor.” (5.1.6-10). The same goes for Juliet. These two children are so caught up in their love that everything else is irrelevant. “I am afeard,/Being in night, all this is but a dream.” (2.2.146-147). Juliet is saying that this love seems like a dream. It’s so surreal. Unfortunately, this dream is taking them further and further away from reality and they don’t notice the flaws in their life. Cupid’s arrow has blinded them and clouded their judgement. We can see the effect of their love when Romeo is exiled. Both children are only capable of weeping hysterically and neither one is able to think about trying to find a solution. Also, when Romeo receives news about Juliet’s death, he doesn’t stop to consider any other possiblilites. His love, and then sorrow, made him incapable of functioning and behaving rationally. However, in Act 1 Scene 4, Mercutio makes a speech about his disbelief in dreams in which he talks about Queen Mab. Mab was slang for a harlot in Elizabethan times, and Queen Mab is portrayed as someone who will give you what you want. In this case, she will make you dream of whatever it is you wish to dream about. “Through lovers' brains, and then they dream of love/.../O'er ladies' lips, who straight on kisses dream,” (1.4.76-79). Mercutio is saying that Queen Mab and her henchmen will make you dream of good things, but those dreams have no meaning. This contradicts Romeo’s belief that dreams are some sort of predictions of the future. Queen Mab also makes people dream of bad things. She introduces them to desires that will corrupt them in the future. “Sometime she gallops o'er a courtier’s nose,/And then dreams he of smelling out a suit.” (1.4.82-83). People have foolish desires and dreams do nothing but feed their silly wishes. “True, I talk of dreams,/Which are the children of an idle brain,/Begot of nothing but vain fantasy,” (1.4.103-105). It is sad that Mercutio has so little faith in the good of dreams. Directly contradicting Romeo, Mercutio might as well be insulting the love between Romeo and Juliet. Both lovers have talked about how their love is like a dream and they gain happiness when they dream of one another. If dreams are what Mercutio says they are, then Romeo and Juliet’s love is based on nothing. Their sweet dreams are the illusions of mischievous Queen Mab. (475 words)
Youth and Age - Erika
The young are impulsive and driven by emotion, and the elderly are mature and wise. While this statement is universally believed, in Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare gives examples that both support and contradict this idea, as well as prove some of his own beliefs on youth and age.
There are many instances where the old’s sense and wisdom is displayed in stark contrast to the young’s impulsive and irrational behavior. When Romeo is banished for killing Tybalt, his and Juliet’s dramatic reactions are countered by the Nurse and the Friar’s sensibility. The Nurse delivers the news to Juliet, who is devastated and considers suicide at the thought of never seeing Romeo again. (“death, not Romeo, take my maidenhead!” (3.2.150).) The Nurse sees that she is being irrational and, wanting to prevent Juliet from taking such drastic action, seeks out Romeo so he can reason with her. The next scene, however, shows Romeo in no position to do so. The Friar brings him news of his banishment, and Romeo describes his sorrow at never being able to see Juliet again. The Friar, however, chastises him for behaving so melodramatically, and views the situation from a rational point of view. He tells Romeo to consider himself lucky that he was not sentenced to death, and that they can find a reasonable solution. However, Romeo’s youth and the Friar’s age clash unmistakably as neither side understands the other. The Friar says to Romeo, “O, then I see that madmen have no ears” (3.3.64), to which Romeo responds “How should they when that wise men have no eyes? (3.3.65). The Friar is frustrated that Romeo will not listen to reason; Romeo is angered that the Friar cannot see his suffering. Romeo’s speech shows that he is led by his emotions, as he can only talk of his misery at never seeing Juliet again. In contrast, the Friar says to “love moderately” (2.6.14). The quality of his advice can be debated, but it is clear that he has experience in his old age.
However, Shakespeare also shows that the old are not always mature and responsible. When a fight between the Capulets and Montagues is dissipated, Capulet remarks, “‘tis not hard, I think, / For men so old as we to keep the peace.” (1.2.2-3). However, he does not realize that perhaps he isn’t using his power wisely; he and the elderly Montagues could end the meaningless feud, but they choose to keep it alive. Also, the Nurse and the Friar act irresponsibly when helping Romeo and Juliet marry in secret. As adults, they are expected to keep the young out of trouble. Perhaps in this case, Benvolio might have given better advice. It is also shown that the young are not always reckless, when Juliet strategizes how she and Romeo will be able to meet secretly.
Shakespeare also presents the idea that the old are slow and the young are fast. Juliet is impatient for the Nurse to arrive with Romeo’s news. “Had she affections and warm youthful blood, / She would be as swift in motion as a ball” (2.5.12-13). “But old folks, many feign as they were dead, / Unwieldy, slow, heavy, and pale as lead” (2.5.16-17). Juliet says that if the Nurse were young, she would be swift; unfortunately, the old are slow, as proven when the Nurse returns and delays passing the information. Also, the Friar is too slow to reach Romeo before he commits suicide. “Have my old feet stumbled at graves?” (5.3.122), another example of the contrast between youth and age.
Table of Contents
Model Essays
I enjoyed reading ALL your essays, so I have posted them all here for you to read. They all have strong points, which I have added comments on in addition to commenting on areas for improvement. I strongly suggest you review all the essays as well as your own previous work when preparing for the in-class essay next week. Some repeated problems were apostrophe use and present tense for analysis. so do leave time to edit carefully for these in your work.Essential Questions
Are the tragic events of the play fated from the very start? - NicoleIn my opinion there is quite a large amount of evidence that says that yes, all the tragic events in Romeo and Juliet were indeed fated from the start. The numerous examples are spread out from the prologue to the end of the book. During the prologue the idea of fate begins, with Shakespeare writing, “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.” (Prologue) This quote foreshadows what will happen in act one and also in the whole book. This tells you that the two lovers will fall badly for each other because fate brought them together, hence “star crossed.” The story then continues with many hints, including one of the most important hints of fate in act three scene one which is the battle scene between Mercutio, Tybalt, and Romeo. “ A plague o’ both houses!”- Mercutio (3.1, 94) This quote is taken right after Mercutio is stabbed by Tybalt and his life is slowly slipping from his grasp. Right before he dies he recites this line, in which is really just Mercutio blaming all of his faults on the hatred of the two families because he has trouble excepting that he actually caused his own death. Near the end of the book the Friar’s plan was to make Juliet drink a vile of potion causing her to fall into deep sleep for forty eight ours, and also sending Romeo a letter about coming back to Verona to wait for Juliet’s awakening. But because of the “Plague on both houses” that Mercutio had casted upon Romeo, the letter never arrives. “I could not send it...So fearful were they of infection.” This is said by Friar John who is the man who was suppose to deliver the letter explaining the Friars plan to Romeo, but since Mercutio casted a plague on both houses, the plague actually starts to spread around Verona. The plague described as the “infection” is what stops Romeo from receiving the letter, which then results into both Romeo and Juliet’s deaths. It is fate that the letter was not sent to Romeo, and the fact that they believe in fate was what killed both of them. Fate becomes a burden on Romeo’s back in which finally causes his own death. “a greater power than we can contradict hath thwarted our intents”- Friar Lawrence (5.3-158-159) What Friar Lawrence is trying to say in in this line is that the “greater power” is fate. Fate can stop anything it pleases in which Friar Lawrence refers to fate as an actual person. In conclusion, I do believe that the tragic events of the play were indeed fated from the very start.
Word count: 444
Who is to blame for the tragic events of the play? - Erica
Was it Romeo, Juliet, the Friar, the Capulets, the Prince, the feud or fate that was to be blamed? Some say it is the combination of all of them, however to fully understand we must break it down, piece-by-piece.
Romeo, who had been previously moping over his unrequited love for Rosaline, suddenly sees the young beautiful Juliet and says, “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight, / For ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” (1.5, 59-60). It shows he was completely blinded by his thoughts and emotions, to even think properly and remember the existence of Rosaline. His feelings continued to blind him, causing his death and Juliet’s. When he found out that Juliet had ‘died’, he didn’t even question it, for he is too wrapped up in his emotions and instead, he jumped directly into the idea of committing suicide.
Juliet had done the same, when she consulted with the Friar. Her mind had been dead set on taking her own life, thinking if all goes wrong, her knife would be there to take away her pain.
She, like Romeo, was shown to be impetuous. Neither of them thought deeply about the future, and simply acted the first thought that came to mind, based completely on their emotions of the moment. They refused to look through any optimistic point of view, which then lead to the tragedy of these young teenagers, as they felt committing suicide was the best solution.
The Friar, who was an educated elder, had been the one to provide these young lovers solutions when their love had hit obstacles; these solutions resulted to the deaths of Juliet, Romeo and Paris. He showed irresponsibility as an elder figure when he hadn’t tried hard enough to persuade Romeo and Juliet to slow down. In fact, he was the one who had married them, the day right after Romeo and Juliet first met each other. Though this idea was good at heart, trying to bond the feuding families, it was harmful to the couple because they were too young. When Juliet had turn to the Friar for help, he had given Juliet a deadly solution that could’ve easily killed her. Even worst, was when the vile he had given Juliet had succeeded and Juliet had awoke, but to find her love dead! The Friar, in this chaotic mess, ran away and left Juliet to kill herself instead of stopping her and staying with her. He showed to be both irresponsible and cowardly, which lead to the death of both of the young lovers and more.
Had the Capulets not forced Juliet into marrying Paris, perhaps much of the tragic events would not of occurred. Juliet wouldn’t have been forced to result to creating a “fake death”, nor would she have to result to a possible suicide. It was because Lord Capulet had threatened to disown her in 3.5 that changed Juliet’s plan, and in result, caused a few deaths.
The Prince, though seemingly inconsequential, admits at end of the play that he too was at fault. He says, “And I, for winking at your discords too, / Have lost a brace of kinsmen.” (5.3, 304-305) shows that perhaps if the Prince had taken the feud more seriously, no one would have died, including poor Mercutio, Tybalt and Paris.
The feud was the biggest obstacle in Romeo and Juliet’s love. Had there not been a feud, Romeo and Juliet would‘ve been able to live a “happily ever after” story. This feud prevented Romeo and Juliet from seeing each other openly. And like many other teenagers, the “forbidden fruit” is always sweeter. Maybe, if the feud hadn’t existed, Romeo and Juliet wouldn’t have even tried to be together and would’ve quickly lost interest in one another. The possibilities are endless, but without the feud, more or less the ending of this play wouldn’t have been a tragedy.
Fate had been constantly used as an excuse when a tragic event occurred; whether it was when Romeo kills Tybalt, and screams “O, I am Fortune’s fool!” (3.1, 142) or when Juliet is begging “Fortune”, a goddess of fate, after finding out about Romeo’s banishment, “O Fortune, Fortune, all men call thee fickle. / If thou art fickle, what dost thou with him / That is renowned for faith? Be fickle, Fortune, / For then I hope thou wilt not keep him long, / But send him back.” (3.5, 60-64). Their belief in fate also caused them to take their own lives, so they could have “control” over their lives. This idea was best shown by Romeo when he declares, “Then I defy you stars!” (5.1, 25).
It doesn’t matter whether you believe this tragedy is caused by the combination of these or just one, it is clear that there is some sort of culprit to be blamed for these tragic events.
Word Count (Without Quotes): 696 words
Is Romeo and Juliet's love true love, or just infatuation? - Benedict
The love that Romeo and Juliet share is one that is true. Within this romantic drama, Shakespeare writes about the ‘ill-fated’ love of Romeo and Juliet, however more prominently speaks to society; directly contrasting the feuds of Montagues and Capulets. The tragic death of both lovers, ultimately brought an end to the family feuds, something never done before. Their love was so great, and therefore true, it reconciled the hatred between the families, and was worth their death.
Romeo falls in love with Juliet at first sight when he meets her in the Capulet party in Act 1.5. Shakespeare distinguishes Romeo’s previous love for Rosaline to his current love for Juliet, showing evidence that Romeo’s love for Rosaline was infatuation and that for Juliet was true. In Act 1.1.226, Romeo says “She hath (remained chaste), and in that sparing makes huge waste.” Romeo wanted Rosaline for physical purposes. In Act 2.2.166-8, Romeo speaks to Juliet in the balcony saying, “Love goes toward love as schoolboys from their books, but love from love, toward school with heavy looks.” Romeo proclaims his love for Juliet as one that is natural like schoolboys and books, and real.
There has been references and personifications about death. Shakespeare writes about death as an alternative resource when either Romeo or Juliet do not find themselves together. After the death of Tybalt, Juliet mentions about suicide; and even before that she fears that if she marries Paris, her grave will be her wedding bed. The day after Romeo and Juliet meet, they get married, they share intercourse only once before Romeo is exiled and once they part; they engage in depression. In Act 5.3, when Romeo sees Juliet dead, he does not hesitate to kill himself, for his life has no more purpose without Juliet. When Juliet wakes, she also kills herself for the exact same reasons.
Romeo and Juliet are dead, and the crowd enters; Montagues, Capulets and the Prince and his men. Friar Lawrence finally reveals the true story of Romeo and Juliet and all are enlightened. Startled and saddened, the lords from both families shake hands. Lord Capulet says, “O brother Montague, give me thy hand. 5.3.306” and Lord Montague accepts and says, “But I can give thee more.. (5.3.309).” The death of the son and daughter of the feuding families, ended their hatred.
True love is undefined, however authors know that by the characters’ actions and speech, the reader will be able to identify the difference between love and infatuation. Romeo and Juliet have accomplished a ‘miracle’ with their love, to reunite the families. From the beginning of the play, Shakespeare has been building up the evidence to show that Romeo and Juliet shares true love; starting from the Capulet party, the balcony scene, the marriage, intercourse, their deaths, and the reconciliation.
word count 498
Is it true that the old people are wise and the young are foolish and impetuous? - Antonio
It is not necessarily true that the old are wise and the young are foolish and impetus. After reading Romeo and Juliet, we can identify moments in the play that prove that the old are both wise and foolish, and that the young can also be wise and at the same time impetus. But over all I would have to say that the young do tend to act more irresponsibly then the old, and that the old have a higher level of maturity.
Most of the older characters in Romeo and Juliet tend to act as wise human beings, like Friar Lawrence, Capulet and Lady Capulet. They always act in a way that is curved to help someone they love, or a greater community. “To comfort thee, though thou art banished” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 3 Scene 3) Friar Lawrence is trying to calm Romeo, he is doing the mature thing, not letting his emotions interfere with his judgment, by telling Romeo that everything will be fine. “For this alliance may so happy prove/ To turn your households’ rancor to pure love.” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 2 Scene 3) Friar Lawrence means to do the wise thing. He wants to marry Romeo and Juliet so that the feud between both families will stop. But what he does not realize is that by doing so, he is actually doing the immature unreasonable thing. This is because he knows that Romeo and Juliet are not ready to get married, he knows that Rome has just ended his feelings for Rosaline, he knows that they only meet two days ago and he probably considers their relationship to be physical because they cant keep their hands off each other. He even tells Romeo that love is not seeing with the eyes. But he marries them anyways, for the wrong reasons, which is a foolish attitude. The nurse is different than most of the older characters, she does act irrationally, but this is because of her lack of education and manners. “Is Romeo slaughtered and Tybalt dead?” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 3 Scene 2) We can see how confused the nurse made Juliet, by entering and naming both Romeos and Tybalts name and the world dead repeatedly. She did not mean to confuse Juliet, is just that she has lack of education; she is a contrast to the other older characters.
The older characters might act foolish accidentally sometimes, but some of the younger characters like Romeo, Tybalt and Mercutio still act immature for their age. This might be the case as in starting a fight in the middle of the day with civilians around, or by thinking irrationally like Romeo. “Be merciful, say “death”” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 3, Scene 3) Romeo is acting the contrary to the Friars, he is thinking irrationally, letting his emotions affect his decisions, telling himself that it is better to die than to be banished. However there are still young characters that act maturely, for example Benvolio. “…depart. Here all eyes gaze on us.” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 3 Scene 1) Benvolio is doing the right mature thing, telling Mercutio and Tybalt, the foolish ones, not to fight. As we can see from the evidence, it is indeed proven that the old act sometimes more wise than the young, who in the majority of the time act irresponsibly, however we can still see that the old may also act foolish and the young maturely.
Word Count: 576, with quotes
What is love? - Edwin Z.
Love has no definite meaning, but millions of interpretations. Love is the intimate and emotional bond between two beings that transcends a regular friendship. Robert Frost once said, “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired”. Love is the urge to be with another individual; it is a concept that can’t be understood until it has been experienced.
With good, comes bad. It takes the bad to help us notice what is good; what we want to strive for and aspire. Blind love (or “love at first sight”) is a form of love that escalates between two people, purely based on physical attractions. In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo’s blind love starts to affect him as a person when he believes that his name “is hateful to myself because it is an enemy to thee” (2.2.60-61). During a period of blind love, the victims will adapt to the opposing party’s personalities. Romeo’s blind love for Juliet leads to the death of Mercutio, but he doesn’t take notice of this until it’s too late, when he says, “O sweet Juliet, thy beauty hath made me effeminate” (3.1.118-119). Romeo becomes unaware of his surroundings (ergo, blind), harms his fellow friends, and fall for every one of Juliet’s quirk. No one knows when this bubble will pop; only time will tell when the physical attractions will fall into oblivion.
The good type of love is one that isn’t blind; one that is has many supporting foundations and is sustainable. Sustainable love is based on physical attraction, mental connection, variety in lifestyles, ability to compromise, and most importantly, the want to stick with each other and support one another. We see from the more experienced characters that long-lasting love is very different. In Act 3, Scene 5, Lady Capulet starts off by calling her husband “mad” (3.5.162) and implies that her husband is in an irrational state when she says, “you are too hot” (3.5.186). Then we see her love and support come into action, when she adapts and tells Juliet to “talk not to me, for I’ll not speak a word” (3.5.214). The love between Lady Capulet and Lord Capulet results in their strong marriage. Both of them are similar in opinions and stick up for each other’s beliefs. In a sustainable love relationship, both parties are capable of making compromise and think rationally while putting their fond relation as top priority.
The final love that Shakespeare conveys in Romeo and Juliet is family. The bond between family members will never break; it’s the knowing one’s family will be there when friendships break apart. We see the Prince’s bond with his brother when he says, “Immediately we do exile him hence. I have an interest in your heart’s proceeding: My blood for your rude brawls doth lie a-bleeding” (3.2.196-199). The prince cares for his brother, so he gives Romeo a lighter punishment for seeking vengeance. We see more of this when Lord Montague says “my wife is dead tonight” (5.3.218). Lady Montague dies because of her depression that forms based on Romeo’s banishment. Family members can feel for one another, and understand the situation with limited judgments.
In Romeo and Juliet, blind love is responsible for the feud’s end, as blind love is the cause of Romeo and Juliet’s death. Maybe this is why love has so many interpretations. Love is a special bond between two individuals, and it takes the presence of bad for us to identify the positives of love.
Word Count (without quotes): 499
Word Count (with quotes): 579
Class Notes
Act One
1.1 - Edwin Z.The scene starts off with a graphically intriguing conversation amongst two Capulet servants who make the feud seem like pointless fight. This scene builds up the exposition (continues from the prologue). Conflict starts to build when two Montague servants come in and battle. Benvolio enters and makes hypocritical attempts to stop the fight by giving free death threats and draws his sword then says, “Put up your swords” (1.1.66). Tybalt walks in and brews up trouble by starting a brawl. He’s creating a bigger conflict by feeding fire with fire. Then comes the prince, who uses his authority and better judgment to disperse the crowd and end the fight. The prince’s presence is a point where tension drops. We also learn that this is the third fight, “have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets” (1.1.93). Meanwhile, Romeo’s parents and Benvolio are concerned over Romeo’s emotional well-being. It appears that Romeo is unsure of his relationship with his current girlfriend, Rosaline; she is the lady who doesn’t responds to his love. The theme of youth versus old and love starts to build as we see the elders calmly conversing and Romeo with his lovesick attitude. The scene comes to an abrupt end as Romeo makes a request for a beautiful "fair" (1.1.243) lady who he will love at first sight. Benvolio is Romeo's close cousin who is very inquisitive and likes to help others; especially when he tries to cure Romeo’s lovesick by telling him to “examine other beauties” (1.1.236) Tybalt is a Capulet who strongly believes in the feud, and believes that violence ends all, thus him saying “have at thee, coward!” (1.1.73).
Word Count (without quotes): 249
Word Count (with quotes): 274
1.2-Joo Hyun
This scene starts off with conversation between Capulet and Paris. Capulet is happy to hear about Paris's desire to marry with his daughter but he thinks that Juliet is too young to marry with Paris. He invites Paris to traditional feast that he is holding. Capulet asks his serving man to invite people on the list. The serving man moans about his illiteracy. Romeo and Benvolio comes in. Then, the serving man comes in, and asks them to read the list. He finds out that Rosaline is coming to the feast. The serving man asks Romeo and Benvolio to come to the feast, assuming that they are not the Montagues. They decide to go.
Paris is a suitor of Juliet who is most favored by Capulet. This shows that Juliet has no power to choose a man to marry with her. Another character comes in, which is the serving man. He is a character that makes the play humorous. However, this character shows the social structure of the past.he couldn't have education as the upper class man could have.
First impression of Capulet is very caring and considerate. He really loves his daughter (Earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she;). He says, "My will to her consent is but a part," which means he cannot force Juliet to love with a man he chose.
‘Earth-treading stars’- beautiful women (light vs. dark)
Capulet and Prince speaks in rhyming verse (iambic pentameter), while the serving man talks in prose.
(248 words)
1.3 - KennethAct 1 Scene 3 is a buildup to the inciting incident, the celebration where Romeo and Juliet first meet. In this scene, Lady Capulet imparts to Juliet the news of her potential marriage with the County Paris. This lengthy conversation – in which Juliet’s beloved nurse continually digresses – eventually ends in Juliet’s capitulation to her mother’s urging.
This scene clearly outlines that Juliet and her mother are distant with one another. As soon as Lady Capulet requests to converse in private, she summons the nurse once again, unable to communicate with her daughter single-handedly (1.3.9). Lacking the sensitivity of a mother, she insists that girls younger than Juliet are already mothers. She only judges superficial traits, calling Juliet simply a cover for the beautiful book that Paris is (1.3.93-94). Lady Capulet demonstrates her bigotry through pressuring Juliet with her own ideals. In contrast, Juliet is a tactful girl who respects her mother (1.3.71, 1.3.105), developing the theme of young versus old. Obedient as she is, however, she leaves room for refusal through her vague words.
This lengthy discussion reveals the Nurse to be an amiable woman with a history of being Juliet’s caretaker. After her daughter died in an earthquake, Juliet became like her own daughter. As opposed to the other people of lower class, the Nurse speaks in blank verse rather than prose. This indicates that she has more importance than those of lower class, yet still does not have the same degree of sophistication as those of higher class.
Word Count: 250
1.4
1.5
Act 2
Phillip 2-1Act Two scene One is a short scene in the story. It seems unimportant, and doesn’t have much significance towards the story line. This scene includes Romeo, but he only says two lines then runs away. The rest of the scene is Romeo’s friends Mercutio, and Romeo’s cousin Benvolio. Mercutio, and Benvolio, talk about Rosaline, who Romeo used to be in love with, until he met Juliet, but nobody knows about Romeo and Juliet yet. At the start of the scene the two of them look for Romeo who ran away from the Capulet’s party without saying anything to them. As Mercutio, and Benvolio search for Romeo, they start talking about Rosaline. They talk about how Romeo’s is a sappy lover type, make fun of him, by cruelly impersonating him. Mercutio starts to be his usual inappropriate self and talks about having sex with Rosaline. He keeps talking about doing very inappropriate things to her. Benvolio keeps quite and listens to Mercutio, without even trying to defend Romeo. This scene is only a page and a half long, and it doesn’t help the story progress. I believe it was only written to add some humor into the novel.
2-2: The Balcony Scene
Julia
The scene opens with Romeo alone in Capulet’s garden. Juliet appears on the balcony above and says to herself that either she or Romeo will have to disown their families, or they won’t be able to be together. After hearing her confess her love, Romeo reveals himself and tells her how much he loves her. They plan to get married. This scene is vital to the plot development because Romeo and Juliet confess their feelings for one another. Without the balcony scene, Romeo and Juliet, the most famous love story of all time, wouldn’t even be about love.
Juliet proves herself to be a practical, rational person in this scene. When she realizes she’s fallen in love too quickly, she merely says, “farewell compliment,” meaning that although she feels it’s all happening too fast, she thinks they should be perfectly upfront about their feelings. This shows that Juliet is remarkably sensible. Even as she is being swept off her feet she can still think logically, not allowing herself to be ruled by passion.
This scene contains many examples of light imagery, a recurring motif throughout the play. For example, Romeo famously compares Juliet’s beauty to the blinding light of the sun, saying, “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.” Romeo goes on to compare her eyes to stars and calls her a “bright angel.” His use of light imagery shows that he thinks she’s so beautiful she shines.
Word Count: 248
Act 3
3.1 (David Morency) - This scene is the most important of the play. Act three, scene one, begins on the hot Verona streets, where Benvolio is attempting to persuade Mercutio to "retire" [go inside]. "The day is hot, the Capels are abroad, and if we meet we shall not 'scape a brawl" (ll. 2-3) are Benvolio's reasons to go someplace else. This statement foreshadows the brawl to take place later in 3.1.As the two friends continue walking, they encounter Tybalt. The “Capel” then inquires Mercutio of Romeo's whereabouts. Spoiling for a fight, Mercutio insults Tybalt. Benvolio, a man of peace, proposes to "either withdraw unto some private place, or reason coldly of your grievances, or else depart" (ll. 52-54). At this point, the audience begins to understand the full extent of Benvolio’s pacifism and Tybalt’s need to fight. Additionally, Mercutio begins to stand out as an equally fiery character.
Two lines later, Romeo enters, fresh from his wedding, and is challenged by Tybalt. In the dramatically ironic twist that they’re now related, Romeo tells Tybalt “I never injured thee but love thee" (ll. 69).
Mercutio, enraged by Romeo's "vile submission" (ll. 74) attacks Tybalt, and dies under Romeo’s arm. "A plague o' both houses" (ll. 94) are his dying words, which develops the theme that Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are fated.
Avenging Mercutio, Romeo kills Tybalt. Their duel makes 3.1 the climax and crisis of the plot, because Romeo’s punishment (banishment) for killing Tybalt eventually separates him from his love Juliet.
(250 words exactly)
3.2 By: Erin Kim (258 words)
At the beginning of the scene Juliet gives a speech saying that she wants phaeton (the god of the sun) to drag the sun across the sky faster, so night would come. Night is when Romeo will come. In her speech there are lots of references to speed, which shows her impatience. “Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds” (3.2.1) “O, I have bought the mansion of love But not possessed it”- Compares love to a mansion.
After her speech, the nurse enters with horrible news. “Ah, welladay! He’s dead, he’s dead, he’s dead!” (3.2.38) The nurse kept saying that someone was dead, but she didn’t specify WHO was dead, so Juliet thought that Romeo was dead.
After she finds out that Romeo killed Tybalt she uses many oxymoron’s. Her emotions are all over the place, and she does not know what to feel. She loves Romeo, but she has to hate him for killing Tybalt.” Was ever book containing such vile matter So fairly bound? O, that deceit should dwell In such a gorgeous place.” In that sentence she is referring back to her mothers speech about Paris. She is worried that she made the same mistake as her mother by judging Romeo by his looks.
After this her confusion Juliet decides that she rather have her parents dead than have Romeo banished. “That “banishèd,” that one word banished, Hath slain ten thousand Tybalt’s” She is also saying that having Romeo banished is worse than having 10,000 Tybalt’s dead. This shows how much Juliet is in love with Romeo.
3.3 – Dianna
The Friar informs Romeo that he has been banished, and as the scene progresses, Romeo’s behavior grows increasingly childlike as the Friar tries to reason with him. Frustrations arise due to a lack of communication between the two. The Nurse arrives, and the scene concludes with the plan for Romeo to go to Mantua.
This scene is essential in characterizing Romeo and the Friar. Romeo is portrayed as exceptionally immature and impulsive. He weeps, rather than rejoice for escaping harsher punishment. Instead of taking responsibility for his own actions, he blames his foul deeds on his name: “…that name’s cursed hand murdered her kinsman” (3.3.113-114). He then attempts to commit suicide, without thinking about the effect his drastic actions will have on Juliet. Still on the floor, when the Nurse gives Romeo Juliet’s ring, he leaps up like a stubborn child given a toy and exclaims, “How well my comfort is revived by this” (3.3.175)!
The Friar demonstrates his rationality, giving Romeo reasons to live: he was not killed by Tybalt nor sentenced to death, and Juliet still lives. He eventually loses his patience with Romeo’s foolishness and his tone grows harsh and he addresses Romeo as an “Unseemly woman in a seeming man” (3.3.122).
This scene further develops the theme of youth and age. Romeo is too stubborn to listen to the Friar’s reasoning, and it is obvious from the Friar’s blunt statements that he does not understand the depth of Romeo and Juliet’s love: “There, on the ground, with his own tears made drunk” (3.3.90-91). The nurse, as well, describes their despair as “weeping and blubb’ring” (3.3.95). This communication gap isolates the lovers from wisdom that could otherwise prevent their tragic fate.
Word Count with Quotes: 284
Word Count without Quotes: 245
3.4
Nicole Wu
Act three scene four is basically the “grieving Tybalt” scene in which the Capulets’ were delivered the news by the nurse of Tybalt’s death. In the beginning of the book Capulet is a kind loving father who clearly states that he does not think Juliet is ready for marriage for she is too young, and tells Paris to wait a few years. Capulets’ opinion changes in this scene because he thinks that if Paris and Juliet were to marry in a few days everybody would stop grieving about Tybalt’s death, and join the merriment and happiness of the wedding. “She shall be married to this noble earl... But what say you to Thursday?” (3.5-22-31) He tells Paris to ask for Juliet’s hand in marriage on the following Thursday to which Paris agrees to. What Capulet does not know is that Juliet is already married to Romeo, son of their enemies. This creates a lot of dramatic irony because the audience knows that Juliet will decline her father’s request to marry Paris due to the fact that she is happily in love and married to Romeo, but Capulet is absolutely sure that she will say yes. You can tell from this scene how much Juliet really means to Capulet, because she's the only thing he has left and he believes that if he marries her off, then it'll make her happy. Another subject that creates dramatic irony is that Romeo did indeed kill Tybalt, making the Capulets’ despise him, which makes Romeo and Juliet’s love even more complicated. What Capulet and Lady Capulet don’t know to what extremes Juliet will go to to stay faithful to Romeo.
Without quote: 261
With quote: 278
Act 4
4.1- Stephane4.1 is the falling action where it starts off with Paris making arrangements with Friar Lawrence for the wedding chosen on Thursday. The Friar tried to raise objections since he knows that Juliet is already married to Romeo, but Paris insists that this marriage will help regain Juliet’s happiness again. Juliet enters, looking very graceful even when she’s under pressure. As Paris talks to her, Juliet is being rather equivocal (ambiguous) with her responses yet without sounding too rude.
After Paris exits, Juliet’s true emotions surface and she pleads with the Friar to help solve her mess. She also threatens to kill herself rather than marry Paris. The Friar gives a special potion to Juliet, instructing her to drink it the night before wedding day. He explains that she will appear to be dead and will be sent to the Capulet’s tomb, where Romeo will then be informed with this plan and come rescue her. Juliet desperately agrees to the plan, and thank the Friar before she leaves. This scene shows how personal desire (emotions) can affect people’s decision. Paris desires to marry Juliet in order to make her happy again, Juliet’s desire to be with Romeo makes her avoid the marriage at all cost. And the Friar’s desire to do what he thinks is right which might bring peace to Verona. The audience is left hanging at the end of 4.1, because now they know Juliet is going to fake her death, thus creating tension in the play.
Word count: 249
4.2 - Erika
This scene is very short and fast paced, but it plays an important part in the plot.
In act 4 scene 2, it is Tuesday and Capulet prepares for Juliet’s wedding. Juliet enters, having just made plans with the Friar to escape her wedding and go to Mantua with Romeo. Juliet, wanting to seem like a good daughter so that Capulet does not suspect anything, apologizes and begs for his forgiveness. She plays the part well, even adding in that she is ‘ever ruled by [him].’ (4.2.23) Capulet believes her performance and is so excited that he moves her wedding up from Thursday to Wednesday, so that they’ll ‘to church tomorrow.’ (4.2.38)
Capulet moving the wedding earlier increases the tension and suspense, as there will be even less time before Juliet carries out her risky plan. The movement of the wedding quickens the plot’s pace as the audience worries about how this change in plan will affect Juliet’s.
This scene shows the audience that Juliet is a clever girl as she is able to convince her father of her complete obedience, when really she is about to defy him.
Word count: 189
Act 4 scene 3 - Cindy
-Orisons = prays
-Sudden business(to Juliet)= Wedding, which the Lord Capulet have changed the date from Thursday to Wednesday.
This scene starts off in Juliet's bedroom with Juliet preparing for bed. After Lady Capulet exits, Juliet starts to get ready to drink the potion that she received from the Friar. However, before she drinks the potion, she expresses four different fears. “I have a faint cold fear thrills through my veins"(4.3.16). This quote shows that Juliet is threatened. First fear is that if the potion doesn't work, she would have to marry Paris. She decides if she wakes up the next morning, she is going to kill herself. The second worry is that the Friar might trick her and might actually kill her. The Friar is the one who did something wrong by marrying Romeo and Juliet. So, if someone finds this out, he might get into trouble. Yet, Juliet believes him because he is a holy man. Third fear is that she might wake up before Romeo arrives and suffocate from lack of air in the tomb. The fourth fear is that when she wakes up in the tomb, the terror of the vault will be too much. Surrounded by dead people, she might kill herself in the fear. Juliet's final speech before she drinks the potion is a good example of the Shakespearean soliloquy. She consciously thinks of pros and cons that could happen. In this scene, the audience knows that some of Juliet's worries will be real, which creates sympathy and pity towards Juliet. Through Juliet's challenge in this scene, the readers can see how strong love is.Word count : 252
Act 4 Scene 4 - Jordan
Act 4 Scene 4 is a short scene in which Lady Capulet and the Nurse are getting ready for Juliet’s wedding. In this scene, Lady Capulet reveals that the Nurse’s name is Angelica.
Although this scene doesn’t contribute much to plot development, it does serve a few purposes. For one, it is an obvious contrast to the previous scenes. This type of scene helped keep the less educated audience members engaged and the delay creates suspense for us readers. Also, imperative verbs make the scene fast paced. This emphasizes how fast things are moving in the play. It’s also because of the fast-moving pace of the plot that this scene is needed. This notion of time going by makes the story seem more realistic. (125 words)
Act 4 Scene 5 - Jordan
Act 4 Scene 5 opens with the Nurse trying to wake Juliet for her wedding. This scene is mainly the reaction of the Nurse, Lady, and Lord Capulet when they find out that Juliet is dead. Through this seemingly tragic event, we can see that both of Juliet’s parents still love her very much and that the Nurse, being less educated, shows her grief differently. Capulet is using the metaphor of his daughter marrying death (mentioned by Juliet in previous scenes). Lady Capulet uses the metaphor of time going away. The Nurse just uses simple, sad words that are repeated throughout the scene.
The rest of this scene is a juxtaposition (comedy and tragedy). Put in for comic relief, the Nurse and Peter argue about funeral music.
Quotes:
“Revive, look up, or I will die with thee.” (4.5.25) Shows that Lady Capulet really loves her daughter even if she doesn’t show it often.
“O, weraday, that ever I was born!-” (4.5.18) Nurse is swearing on her life and this shows how much she cared for Juliet.
“Death lies on her like an untimely frost/ Upon the sweetest flower of all the field.” (4.5.33-34) Lord Capulet compares Juliet to a spring flower that is killed by winter. He is saying that her death is too early; she hasn’t had time to live yet.
The Friar’s speech (4.5.70-99) is him trying to offer comfort to Juliet’s parents. He tells them that she is in a better place now (vault; dramatic irony since that is where the lovers will be reunited) and that they should be happy for their daughter.
Lines 90-95 create a very gloomy mood. Everything that was supposed to be used for the wedding is now used for the sudden burial.
best array (4.5.87): wedding clothes
Light vs. Dark: Black day
(305 words + quotes)
Act 5
5.1 - Erica So
What was the purpose of 5.1?
-Only scene placed in Mantua
-Develops the plot:
-Audience sees Romeo get the poison
-Creates suspense:
-Delays the approaching deaths
-Audience learns how deadly the poison is
5.1 starts with Romeo in Mantua, talking about his dream of Juliet bringing him back to life after his death. This, as the audience knows from the prologue, contradicts the tragedy at the end. Balthasar, his man, barges in and crushes Romeo’s dreams. Balthasar tells Romeo of Juliet’s “death”, and Romeo wails, “Then I defy you, stars!” (5.1, 25); meaning he will defy fate by committing suicide so that fate can’t control his life anymore. Peculiarly, Romeo does not question Juliet’s death and immediately plans his own. This supports the idea that Romeo is impetuous and is too wrapped up in his emotions to care. It’s also a connection to how youth base their decision-making on emotions. He then sends Balthasar off to hire horses and plans to leave Mantua that night. This is followed by Romeo’s descriptive recollection of a poor apothecary nearby and his plan to get poison for himself. (5.1, 37-60). At the apothecary, Romeo bribes the old man for a poison that could kill a man instantly, knowing that selling poisons is against Mantua’s law and it’s death penalty if committed. The apothecary says “My poverty, but not my will, consents.” (5.1, 79) which shows that it’s against his morals but he’ll do it for his need of money. He hands Romeo the poison that could kill anyone immediately, even “if you had the strength of twenty men” (5.1, 82-83). Within 5.1, Shakespeare shows the lack of money corrupts people. He demonstrates a contrast: the young embrace death while the old go against it (Suicidal rates: higher for young men). 5.1 also shows how strong love can be and its affect on a person, resulting to killing oneself.
Word Count (Without Quotes): 283
5.2-Antonio Cardoso
Scene takes place in Verona, the characters are Friar Lawrence and Friar John. It starts of by Friar Lawrence exited, wanting to hear what Romeo had wrote back from Mantua. But then the tragedy is revealed that Friar John was not allowed to reach Mantua because he was stuck in a town, which had the black plague, so he had to return to Verona, without informing Romeo that Juliet is sleeping because of the poison and Friar Lawrence’s plan for them to escape. So Friar Lawrence decides to wake up Juliet and tell her to hide in his cell while he will get another message out to Romeo. The theme of fortune is again developed in this scene. “Unhappy fortune!” (Romeo And Juliet, Act 5 Scene 2) Lawrence is blaming on fortune that Romeo is not receiving the letter, and the whole play is based on fortune, and how much bad fortune these characters have. There is also the matter of the plague, Mercutio says a plague on both your houses, and he plague that stops Friar John might be this plague, killing a member of each house. The members being Romeo and Juliet. The plague is fate. The audience also obtains a feeling of relief, because Friar Lawrence explains his plan to rescue Juliet and contact Romeo again. They start to think that everything will be fine, but they know from the prologue that it is not, so they became interested to see what happens, and how they die.
Word Count (250 words)
5.3 - Benedict Tanudjojo
Act 5.3 is the ending, the falling action as well as the denouement. In this last and longest scene, Romeo arrives to where Juliet is buried. There, Paris tries to prevent Romeo from seeing Juliet and consequently is killed by Romeo’s impetuousness. When Romeo sees Juliet dead, he takes his poison and commits suicide. The Friar enters to be there when Juliet wakes, when he arrives, he sees Romeo dead. When Juliet awakes, she is shocked by Romeo’s death, the Friar leaves, and lets Juliet commit suicide and dies next to Romeo. The Prince and his policemen arrive, together with heads of family from the Capulets and Montagues. Friar Lawrence explains the whole story behind Romeo and Juliet and the crowd is enlightened. Realizing that the family feud was the fault of Romeo and Juliet’s death, Lord Capulet and Lord Montague reconcile, shaking hands.
In this scene, Shakespeare further develops the play’s most common themes of fate, death and age. Before Romeo commits suicide, he says, “Shake the yoke of inauspicious stars (5.3.111)” meaning to get rid of fate as a physical and mental burden. Earlier he describes, “Sour his misfortune’s book (5.3.82)”, depicting how death is chosen by fate. The Friar further develops this by saying, “a greater power than we can contradict (5.3.228)” showing his belief in “what shall be, will be”. Furthermore, Shakespeare expresses differences in age through Capulet, “to press before thy father to the grave (5.3.223)”. As these themes reappear in the end, they resonate to create a satisfying ending.
word count: 250 words
Characters:
Romeo - Julia
The character Romeo from Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet is so iconic that his name has become a synonym for “hopeless romantic.” In fact, Romeo is not just extremely romantic, he’s extreme about all his emotions, such as determination. He tends to let emotions, rather than logical thought, control his actions. In several cases, his vengeful or sorrowful moods determine the outcome of the play. But in the end, Romeo is still just one of the boys, a witty and considerate friend, son and master.
When Romeo learns that he's been banished from Verona and separated from Juliet, rather than sentenced to death, he is in anguish. He cries, throws himself on the ground, and says to the Friar, “Hadst thou no poison mixed, no sharp-ground knife,/No sudden mean of death, though ne’er so mean, but ‘banishéd’ to kill me?” Just the thought of being separated from her sends him into hysterics. Despite the Friar’s attempts to make him see reason, Romeo is still in agony. The Friar’s logic doesn’t work on him because Romeo thinks with his heart, rather than with his head. In Act 2 Scene 2, Romeo leaves his friends to go hide in the Capulets’ garden. If Romeo used logic to make decisions, he would realize that he has a responsibility to his friends and besides, hiding in the garden probably wouldn’t accomplish anything. Romeo doesn’t use cold reason to make decisions, he simply follows his heart.
Romeo’s passion is also important for advancing the plot. His deep sorrow over his unrequited “love” for Rosalind moves his friends Benvolio and Mercutio to drag him to a party, which they hope will make him feel better. This, of course, is the party where Romeo meets Juliet. If he hadn’t been in pain over Rosalind, Romeo would never have met Juliet. Additionally, when Mercutio is killed in a brawl, Romeo’s grief and guilt for having a hand in Mercutio’s death combine into incredible anger at his killer. Although he was tried to stop the fight at first, he changes his mind and proclaims, “Fire-eyed fury be my conduct now,” (3.1.49). In a fit of rage, Romeo murders Mercutio’s killer, getting himself banished.
Romeo has a personality outside of his storms of passion, too. When he and Mercutio have a battle of wits in Act 2 Scene 4, Mercutio is overjoyed that he’s gotten over Rosalind. “Why, is not this better now than groaning/for love? Now art thou sociable, now art thou/ Romeo,” he says. This shows that when Romeo’s not caught up in one of his storms of passion, his friends recognize him as a clever friend with a razor wit. Also, Romeo is a thoughtful, considerate person, even when he commits suicide. He takes care to say goodbye to his parents, and makes sure his servant doesn’t have to watch him kill himself. He’s even nice to Juliet’s fiancee telling him, “By heaven, I love thee better than myself,” (5.3.64), and pleading with him not to fight. In the end, Romeo even buries him next to Juliet.
458 words
Montague & Lady Montague -
Benvolio - Phillip - Benvolio is an important character in this novel; he is part a part of many of the main events of this novel. Benvolio is Romeo’s cousin and is on the side of the Montagues. At the beginning of the novel Benvolio seems to be a peacekeeper between the Montagues and the Capulets. “I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, or manage it to part these men with me.” in this quote Benvolio tries to break up the fight between Tybalt and the Montagues. He doesn’t want to fight, and he doesn’t want anyone else to fight and it seems that he doesn’t want him or her to get hurt. Benvolio doesn’t only care about people’s health he also cares about their problems. In act one scene one, when Romeo was sad about Rosaline and his break up, Romeo was really sad. Instead of letting Romeo’s parents talk to him, he insisted that he should be the one to help. “What sadness lengthens Romeo’s hours?” This quote shows how Benvolio cares about his cousin’s feelings. He wanted to care. Throughout the story we see how Benvolio changes and has changed. In section three act one Mercutio says “Thou – why, thou wilt quarrel with a man that hath less hair in his beard than thou hast. Thou wilt quarrel with a man for cracking nuts, having for having no other reason but because thou hast hazel eyes. What eye but such an eye would spy out such a quarrel?” Even though it is a long quote, it really gives us some knowledge about him. Here we see that maybe Benvolio wasn’t always the person he is. He seemed to have a mean streak and used to be a fighter. This makes it seem that Benvolio would always look for fights for any little reason, even if it was pathetic. It could be possible that he had a bad past and decided to change, but that is not told in the story. In section three act one, when Mercutio and Tybalt were both killed, Benvolio gave a long speech, about what happened and why. If it was true about Benvolio’s past, then now we see how different he is. He tried to help Romeo not get in trouble with the law, but when he was asked about what happened he told the truth. Benvolio doesn’t have any real conflicts throughout the novel but still plays an important role. He is always part of the fight between the Montagues and the Capulets. Although he is one of the main characters, he isn’t seen or heard of at the end of the novel. After the death of Mercutio, he disappears and is not heard of ever again. Word count 471.
Juliet - Erin Word count 532-with quotes
Juliet is first introduced in this play in Act 1 Scene 3. In this scene we learn that Juliet has not yet turned 14. In Juliet’s first meeting with Lady Capulet, her mother, she seems very obedient and polite. “Madam, I am here. What is your will?” (1.3.7) This makes Juliet seem very respectful towards her mother. When her mother starts to talk about Paris’s interest in her, Juliet says “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move. But no more deep will I endart mine eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly.” (1.3.103-105). During the course of this play, Juliet has changed from a young girl who is faithful to her family, to a Woman who is only faithful to her husband.
In act 2.2, Juliet is again seen at her balcony, talking about her love for Romeo. The speech in this scene shows Juliet’s practicality. “Deny thy father and refuse thy name, Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.” (2.2.37-39). In this quote she is saying that there are two possibilities, 1. that Romeo is no longer a Montague or 2. Juliet will no longer be a Capulet.
“ It is too rash, too unadvis’d, too sudden” (2.2.118) This shows that Juliet is now a woman who carefully thinks about her decisions and the consequences of her actions. Even this shows her maturing she still hasn’t lost all her childish traits like insecurity. “If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully.” (2.2.94) This shows Juliet's lack of confidence in Romeo’s love. Also in act 2.5 Juliet is portrayed as a girl who still hasn't let go of her childish impatience. “Had she affections, and warm youthful blood, She would be as swift in motion as a ball” (2.5.12)
After Tybalt was slain, and the news reached Juliet in 3.2. The news of Tybalt's death causes conflicting feelings for Juliet because she's was torn between her love for Romeo and her love for Tybalt, her cousin. “Beautiful tyrant, fiend angelical!” This quote represents Juliet’s immense confusion of her feelings. Finally she makes up her mind. "Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband?" (3.2.98). This again shows her love for Romeo and that after Juliet married Romeo, she is more faithful to Romeo than her own family.
Juliet's decision in Act 5 to take the potion rather than marry Paris shows her bravery. She worries about what would happen if the plan didn’t work, but still resolves to taking the potion for her true love. Before she drinks the potion she makes a speech about her fears about the potion. This speech shows that Juliet is brave and also desperate because she still takes the potion after she talks about all her fears.
In this play it seems as if Juliet was forced to mature too quickly. The emphasis throughout the play on Juliet's youth, regardless of her growing maturity, makes the story more tragic. It shows that love can mature you even in a period of four days. In the course of this play (4 days) Juliet has changed from a naive young girl to a mature woman.
Capulet & Lady Capulet
The Nurse - Kenneth Zhou
Juliet's nurse, Angelica, is a flat static character whose dialogue is typically in blank verse, as opposed to the servants, who speak in prose, indicating her significant role as a character. First introduced in Act 1 Scene 3, Angelica provides a continuation in the plot by being the secret messenger between Romeo and Juliet, as well as executing many of their plans. In Romeo and Juliet, she meets with Romeo just as many times, if not more, as Juliet. Due to this significant character role, the transience of Romeo and Juliet’s love is emphasized. Her unquestioning consent to Juliet’s relationship with Romeo confirms that she is partially responsible for the many events in the play. In turn, her liability indicates that the impetuousness of youth and wisdom of the elderly is not so absolute.
Angelica’s words are often digressive monologues (e.g. the bulk of 1.3) and her lines abound with countless sexual innuendos (e.g. “The County Paris hath set up his rest / That you shall rest but little”, 4.5.8-9) and malapropisms (e.g. “I desire some confidence with you”, 2.4.129), which provide comic relief to the play, making her a dramatic parallel to Mercutio. However, her character parallel is Friar Lawrence, as she is the mother figure to Juliet, similar to his relationship to Romeo. Unlike the Friar, Angelica truly takes Romeo and Juliet’s relationship into consideration. It can be said that Lady Capulet is Juliet’s “public” mother, while Angelica, as her confidante, is her “private” mother.
A congenial woman who continually expresses her hope and pride for Juliet, Angelica believes that any man “that can lay hold of her shall have the chinks” (1.5.129-30), and “toils in [Juliet’s] delight” (2.5.80). Her many malapropisms are caused by her illiteracy (2.4.190-200), which in turn lead to her inarticulacy, as demonstrated by her inability to express her grief after Juliet “dies” (4.5.55) and her self-contradictory description of Romeo (2.5.40-48). She is somewhat oblivious, being extremely ambiguous in Act 3 Scene 2, and later being exceedingly blunt in Act 3 Scene 5. As a woman of low class, she is stereotypically portrayed as vulgar, often swearing “by [her] maidenhead” (1.3.2) or making other crude references. Despite her ignorance, she still proves her worth as a practical woman who has a prudent grasp of life. When she and Romeo plot the secret marriage, she ensures that his servant is “secret” (2.4.199). In Act 2 Scene 4, she is characterized as an unattractive, overweight woman, the “ancient lady’s” (2.4.145) clothes flowing in the wind like “a sail” (2.4.104).
Since the beginning of the play, Angelica is respectful of her employers, Lord and Lady Capulet. Nonetheless, she disregards the feud, indicated by her lack of commentary on it and her effortless habituation into a friendly relationship with Romeo, her supposed enemy. There appears to be no evidence of Angelica having any internal conflict, but it can be argued that she soon becomes torn between siding with the heads of Capulet or Juliet. Eventually, after the heated conflict in Act 3 Scene 5, albeit initially defending Juliet, she tractably complies to her parents instead, the more authoritative of the two parties. In her belief that the marriage is Juliet’s only option, the maternal figure leaves the thirteen-year-old girl to confront the world alone, amplifying the suspense. In her last appearance in Act 4 Scene 5, she “discovers” Juliet’s death, this instant response to possibly leading to the family’s lack of questioning of the situation.
Word Count with Quotes: 586
Without Quotes: 517
Tybalt - (David Morency)
"What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word as I hate Hell, all Montagues, and thee [Benvolio]. Have at thee, coward" (1.1.71-73). Tybalt is Juliet's cousin. From his first appearance in the play, it is evident that he is not only a "saucy boy" (1.5.94), but a living embodiment of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues. He enters the stage sword drawn, screaming insults, and ready to duel the Montague, Benvolio. Through challenging the Montague so quickly, Tybalt's reckless characteristics are firmly established. Here, Shakespeare uses Tybalt's threats and threatening interactions (drawing his sword) towards Benvolio to reinforce the character's contempt of Montagues as well as his desire to fight. The brawl in 1.1 is also an example of how Tybalt moves the plot forward. Following the fight, the play's main conflict has been introduced, and when Benvolio leaves, the unrequited Romeo is introduced.
When Tybalt makes a second appearance in 1.5, he is less involved in the scene's development, but a hatred towards "that villain Romeo" (1.5.73) is kindled. In 1.5, Tybalt realizes the Montague, Romeo, at the party, but Capulet, being a conservative adult, replies by telling Tybalt he is a "saucy boy" (1.5.94) and must refrain from conflict. Capulet's statement both aids Tybalt’s character development, and the theme of age and youth. Tybalt's last line in 1.5 is a foreboding threat towards Romeo. This threat eventually moves the plot forward until it erupts into the climax of the play, 3.1.
By 3.1, Tybalt's qualities are manifest. However, his conflicts just begin to surface. It is well known that Tybalt preserves the ancient feud between the Capulets and Montagues, but that doesn't become a conflict (for him) until 3.1. In 3.1, Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel based on his uninvited attendance to the party in 1.5. "Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford no better term than this" thou art a villain" (3.1.61-62) is the insult the fiery Tybalt slanders Romeo with in Act 3. However, his hate for Romeo is answered by hate from Mercutio; who serves as Tybalt's equivalent in the aspect of fiery personality. Mercutio and Tybalt's duel is Tybalt's main external conflict as well as the play's. When Mercutio dies, and Romeo avenges him by killing Tybalt, Tybalt as a character dies. Fortunately, his impact remains by sending Romeo into exile, separating him from Juliet, and arranging the wedding between Juliet and Paris.
Alive for only half the play, Tybalt develops a major theme and essential question. The theme of youth vs. age is demonstrated by Tybalt’s impetuous nature and unthoughtful decision to duel Romeo. Additionally, the essential question of Who is to blame for the tragic events of the play?" is once again Tybalt. As mentioned earlier, Tybalt's death sends the lovers, Romeo and Juliet, into a catastrophic spiral of events that eventually leads to their demise. That's also why 3.1 is the play's climax, because the play begins to take a turn for the worse.
(500 words exactly)
Escalus, Prince of Verona
Mercutio - Joo Hyun
Mercutio is a kinsman to the Prince, and Rome’s close friend. He is one of the most extraordinary characters in the play. He is sometimes strange, wit and satirical. He likes to play with words even just before his death. He is fun as well as bitter. He is the character that puts humor into the play to make the play more interesting. The story is tragedy. Humors between gloomy scenes will make the effect of tragedy to be larger because it contrasts with humorous scenes.
Mercutio appears in the play from Act 1 scene 4. He comes in with six other people and Benvolio. He teases Romeo about Romeo’s love for Rosaline. When he is speaking to Romeo, he says lots of puns. “That dreamers often lie”(1.4.56) is an example for a pun used in conversation between Romeo and Mercutio.
Then, he appears in Act 2 Scene 1. Mercutio has similar characteristics to those of the Nurse’s. He is very loquacious, chatty and likes to make rude jokes. He is the comic relief of the play. In this scene, Mercutio jests at Romeo’s love, “Cry but “Ay me,” pronounce but “love” and “dove”.” (2.1.12-13). Romeo gets annoyed. “He jests at scars that never felt a wound.” Romeo says that Mercutio has never felt love like Romeo before. Mercutio calls for Romeo by saying, “Romeo! Humors! Madman! Passion! Lover!” He then says, “my invocation is fair and honest, in his mistress’ name” Mercutio shows his concern and expresses It to Romeo. Mercutio does not want Romeo to marry Juliet because he knew that there will be feud between the two families. In Act2 scene 4, Mercutio loses in a battle of wits with Romeo. In this scene, Mercutio mocks the Nurse.
Then, he appears in Act 3 scene1. He gets to fight with Tybalt in this scene. Before the actual fight, Mercutio ridicules Tybalt by insulting Tybalt. Mercutio is usually a witty character. However, in this scene, his wittiness led to death of himself. Mercutio gets enraged by Romeo’s v “vile submission” (3.1.74) and attacks Tybalt. After he got stabbed by Tybalt, he says “A plague o’ both houses!” (3.1.94). This develops the theme that Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are fated.He also puns about his wound, “and you shall find me a grave man.” He curses both Capulets and Montagues for several times but he uses pun as well. Then, Mercutio turns to Romeo and says, “Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.” At this point, Mercutio realizes that he is going to die soon. This quote is a striking contrast between the jesting and curses that have come before.
(446 words)
The Friar - Dianna
Friar Lawrence is a father figure, caring greatly for Romeo, but at the same time maintaining a low opinion of the youth. He is wise and rational in giving advice, like “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast” (2.3.86), and reasoning with Romeo in 3.3 when he laments his banishment and attempts suicide. However, the Friar’s wish to be a hero accountable for peace between the Capulets and Montagues overpowers his better judgment and leads to some impulsive decisions. He realizes there will be consequences to his hasty marriage of Romeo and Juliet as he prays “That after-hours chide us not” (2.6.2). This shows him as hypocritical; not taking his own advice of approaching love with care. The Friar takes responsibility for his rash actions by trying to fix things, but in a final, critical moment, he gives in to cowardice.
The Friar is a key character in plot advancement, made important partly by his internal conflicts. Wishing only the best for Romeo, but also hoping to mend relations between the two feuding families, he marries Romeo and Juliet in secret. His logic gave way to a selfish, ulterior motive. When Romeo is banished, the Friar suggests that he flee to Mantua, and concocts the dangerous plan concerning the potion of seeming death. Finally, in 5.3, just as Juliet realizes Romeo is dead, the Friar’s cowardice wins over the valor that could possibly have saved Juliet’s life and he flees from the vault.
The Friar’s speech (2.3.1-31) incorporates many themes as well as foreshadowing. Using herbs as metaphors, he conveys that there are two opposites in everything; Bad things can come from good things, like Romeo’s love. At the same time, his speech foreshadows what is to come—the potion. The Friar observes that the earth is a womb and a tomb, where all things are born and die—the theme of life and death. Lastly, the Friar uses phrases like “frowning night” (2.3.1) and “streaks of light” (2.3.2), which continue the opposition of light and dark.
The theme of youth and age is greatly developed through this character. The Friar assumes that “unbruised youth with unstuffed brain” (2.3.39) have no worries, and are not capable of deep passion, evident by his blunt dismissal of Romeo’s grief in 3.3: “There on the ground, with his own tears made drunk” (3.3.90-91). The Friar’s incapability to understand the depth of Romeo and Juliet’s love, and thus, his inability to communicate properly with them, isolates the two from the wisdom that may have otherwise prevented their tragic fate. In 5.3, the Friar heads towards the vault, but his “old feet [stumble] at graves” (5.3.22) and he is too late to save Romeo. This contrasts the speed with which the youth always seem to rush into things. With these points, the fact that the Friar married the two lovers, couldn’t save Romeo and wouldn’t save Juliet, one could argue that he is the one to blame for the disastrous outcome of the play.
Word Count: 500
Oppositions
Love and Hate - StephaneWilliam Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a story that tells us equally about both love and hate. While the story clearly focused on love, hate actually plays a very huge part in the play as well. This contrast is illustrated many times throughout the plot and is probably best summed up by Romeo’s line in 1.1, which also sums up the whole play, “Here’s much to do with hate, but more with love” (1.1.180). Shakespeare’s emphasis on this opposition is what drives the plot forward and develops one of the biggest theme in the whole play: Love and Hate.
This major theme is introduced in the very beginning of 1.1, where it shows Verona’s streets are full of violence, fighting and hate, especially between the two families; the Montague and Capulet. The hatred between them got so serious to the point that even the Prince has to tell them, “If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace” (1.1.98-99). This scene is contrasted with the scenes where Romeo and Juliet are together, particularly 2.2. The deep and instant love they have for each other helps the audience understand how strong their love is, yet at the same time it is compared with the hate-filled society of Verona.
Each characters has different ways of showing their love and hate. They interpret and define it differently base on their experience, characteristic, and people that influence them. There are different kinds of love that exists in the play including friendship, family and couple love. Hate, however, is mostly centered around the hatred between the two families, which is what triggers the characters to hate the opposite family, for example Lord Capulet and Lord Montague. These two contradicting feelings show how love and hate are both equally powerful, as they are compared from the characters’ behavior and actions.
The chaos in 1.1 demonstrates the power of hate and how hate between the families itself have already pass down to its servants. Tybalt is also a key character where hate is focused on. His hate for the Montagues is clearly shown through his aggressive and fierce actions. “I hate the word, I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee. Have at thee coward!” (1.1.71-73). The power of love is, of course, seen in the determination of Romeo and Juliet to defy their parents and be together.
In the entire play, we can see clashes of passionate love and fiery hate that shows the opposition are both equally strong enough to cause tragedy in the end. In the beginning, the couple’s love may seem stronger than the hatred of the feud, but as the story progresses, we can see it’s a bitter struggle. Even though hatred is strong enough to separate the lovers and eventually force them to commit suicide along with death of others, the story shows love is still stronger than hate, for nothing can destroy the love Romeo and Juliet have for each other.
Word Count: 500 exactly
Light and Dark - Cindy
One of the most often repeated image patterns in Romeo and Juliet involves the interplay of light and dark. Light is usually considered “good” and conversely, dark is viewed as “evil” or “bad”. For example, Romeo compares Juliet to light throughout the play. “It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!”(2.2.2-3). When Romeo first sees Juliet, he announces that she teaches “the torches to burn bright” (1.5.43), which means that Juliet is the center who brightens the world. Romeo’s explanation about Juliet tells the audience that Romeo’s love for Rosaline is over, and it creates an association between Juliet and light that will endure throughout the play. The readers can see that act 2 scene 2 is the most important scene of the play; it is the scene where Romeo and Juliet first meet. In this scene, Romeo contrasts Juliet’s beauty to light.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That thou, her maid, art fair more fair than she (2.2.4-6)
Romeo says to ‘kill’ the envious moon, which represents Rosaline, whom Romeo used to love. When Juliet is on the balcony, Romeo continues to reflect on the brightness of Juliet; he then compares Juliet’s eyes to stars, and her cheek to daylight. Romeo’s soliloquy in this scene provides a strong relationship between Juliet and light, which is beautiful and good.
Although typical notions of light and dark are used in the play, day and night are used in the opposite way. Night is the precious time, because it aids the love between Romeo and Juliet, and day becomes evil where it is full of death and fights. An example of this appears in act 3 scene 2, where Juliet is waiting for Romeo to come to her. “Come, night. Come, Romeo. Come, thou day in night.” (3.2.16). Juliet mentions that night will bring her her love, which will help their love to step forward. In the play, day is a representative of death and destruction. The main support for this is act 3 scene 1, where there is a fight between Montagues and Capulets. Also, at the end of their honeymoon night, Romeo says, “More light and light, more dark and dark our woes” (3.5.36). This quote shows that the lovers must part before the light arrives. So looking at this, Shakespeare used an unusual opposition in the play, where he compares light to good and dark to bad, while also comparing night to good and day to bad.
(Word Count: 423)
Dreams and Reality - Jordan
In Romeo and Juliet, characters have different views on dreams and reality. From Act 1 to Act 5, Romeo has shown that he believes in the power of dreams. “In bed asleep while they do dream things true.” (1.4.57). Romeo is so in love, he willingly believes almost anything. “I dreamt my lady came and found me dead/.../That I revived and was an emperor.” (5.1.6-10). The same goes for Juliet. These two children are so caught up in their love that everything else is irrelevant. “I am afeard,/Being in night, all this is but a dream.” (2.2.146-147). Juliet is saying that this love seems like a dream. It’s so surreal. Unfortunately, this dream is taking them further and further away from reality and they don’t notice the flaws in their life. Cupid’s arrow has blinded them and clouded their judgement. We can see the effect of their love when Romeo is exiled. Both children are only capable of weeping hysterically and neither one is able to think about trying to find a solution. Also, when Romeo receives news about Juliet’s death, he doesn’t stop to consider any other possiblilites. His love, and then sorrow, made him incapable of functioning and behaving rationally. However, in Act 1 Scene 4, Mercutio makes a speech about his disbelief in dreams in which he talks about Queen Mab. Mab was slang for a harlot in Elizabethan times, and Queen Mab is portrayed as someone who will give you what you want. In this case, she will make you dream of whatever it is you wish to dream about. “Through lovers' brains, and then they dream of love/.../O'er ladies' lips, who straight on kisses dream,” (1.4.76-79). Mercutio is saying that Queen Mab and her henchmen will make you dream of good things, but those dreams have no meaning. This contradicts Romeo’s belief that dreams are some sort of predictions of the future. Queen Mab also makes people dream of bad things. She introduces them to desires that will corrupt them in the future. “Sometime she gallops o'er a courtier’s nose,/And then dreams he of smelling out a suit.” (1.4.82-83). People have foolish desires and dreams do nothing but feed their silly wishes. “True, I talk of dreams,/Which are the children of an idle brain,/Begot of nothing but vain fantasy,” (1.4.103-105). It is sad that Mercutio has so little faith in the good of dreams. Directly contradicting Romeo, Mercutio might as well be insulting the love between Romeo and Juliet. Both lovers have talked about how their love is like a dream and they gain happiness when they dream of one another. If dreams are what Mercutio says they are, then Romeo and Juliet’s love is based on nothing. Their sweet dreams are the illusions of mischievous Queen Mab. (475 words)
Youth and Age - Erika
The young are impulsive and driven by emotion, and the elderly are mature and wise. While this statement is universally believed, in Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare gives examples that both support and contradict this idea, as well as prove some of his own beliefs on youth and age.
There are many instances where the old’s sense and wisdom is displayed in stark contrast to the young’s impulsive and irrational behavior. When Romeo is banished for killing Tybalt, his and Juliet’s dramatic reactions are countered by the Nurse and the Friar’s sensibility. The Nurse delivers the news to Juliet, who is devastated and considers suicide at the thought of never seeing Romeo again. (“death, not Romeo, take my maidenhead!” (3.2.150).) The Nurse sees that she is being irrational and, wanting to prevent Juliet from taking such drastic action, seeks out Romeo so he can reason with her. The next scene, however, shows Romeo in no position to do so. The Friar brings him news of his banishment, and Romeo describes his sorrow at never being able to see Juliet again. The Friar, however, chastises him for behaving so melodramatically, and views the situation from a rational point of view. He tells Romeo to consider himself lucky that he was not sentenced to death, and that they can find a reasonable solution. However, Romeo’s youth and the Friar’s age clash unmistakably as neither side understands the other. The Friar says to Romeo, “O, then I see that madmen have no ears” (3.3.64), to which Romeo responds “How should they when that wise men have no eyes? (3.3.65). The Friar is frustrated that Romeo will not listen to reason; Romeo is angered that the Friar cannot see his suffering. Romeo’s speech shows that he is led by his emotions, as he can only talk of his misery at never seeing Juliet again. In contrast, the Friar says to “love moderately” (2.6.14). The quality of his advice can be debated, but it is clear that he has experience in his old age.
However, Shakespeare also shows that the old are not always mature and responsible. When a fight between the Capulets and Montagues is dissipated, Capulet remarks, “‘tis not hard, I think, / For men so old as we to keep the peace.” (1.2.2-3). However, he does not realize that perhaps he isn’t using his power wisely; he and the elderly Montagues could end the meaningless feud, but they choose to keep it alive. Also, the Nurse and the Friar act irresponsibly when helping Romeo and Juliet marry in secret. As adults, they are expected to keep the young out of trouble. Perhaps in this case, Benvolio might have given better advice. It is also shown that the young are not always reckless, when Juliet strategizes how she and Romeo will be able to meet secretly.
Shakespeare also presents the idea that the old are slow and the young are fast. Juliet is impatient for the Nurse to arrive with Romeo’s news. “Had she affections and warm youthful blood, / She would be as swift in motion as a ball” (2.5.12-13). “But old folks, many feign as they were dead, / Unwieldy, slow, heavy, and pale as lead” (2.5.16-17). Juliet says that if the Nurse were young, she would be swift; unfortunately, the old are slow, as proven when the Nurse returns and delays passing the information. Also, the Friar is too slow to reach Romeo before he commits suicide. “Have my old feet stumbled at graves?” (5.3.122), another example of the contrast between youth and age.
Word count
With quotes: 593
Without quotes: 500
Fast and Slow